Ploiaria aptera
This record describes Ploiaria aptera (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of two wholly apterous species of Ploiaria in the United States. In P. aptera , the large spines of the profemoral posteroventral series are separated by 2-3 short processes, with both series essentially linear. Furthermore, the interocular distance is subequal to or less than the width of one eye. In the second apterous species, P. chilensis , known from California, the large spines are separated by 4-5 smaller processes, with the large series staggered laterad. The interocular distance is greater than the width of one eye.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Emesinae
- Tribe
- Leistarchini
- Genus
- Ploiaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known only from southeastern Arizona .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the apterous condition of the insect, a condition present in only two of the eleven species of Ploiaria found in the United States.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ploiaria aptera. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Ploiaria aptera (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by drswanny
Frequently Asked Questions About Ploiaria aptera
What is Ploiaria aptera?
Ploiaria aptera is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Ploiaria aptera?
4-6 mm
How do you identify Ploiaria aptera?
One of two wholly apterous species of Ploiaria in the United States. In P. aptera , the large spines of the profemoral posteroventral series are separated by 2-3 short processes, with both series essentially linear. Furthermore, the interocular distance is subequal to or less than the width of one eye. In the second apterous species, P. chilensis , known from California, the large spines are separated by 4-5 smaller processes, with the large series staggered laterad. The interocular distance is greater than the width of one eye.
Where is Ploiaria aptera found?
Range: Known only from southeastern Arizona .