Ploiaria denticauda
This record describes Ploiaria denticauda (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
In the United States, two species of Ploiaria have a medial, caudally-projecting spine on the back of the head: P. denticauda and P. hirticornis . The former has the ultimate tergite with a longer medial projection in both sexes and is found in the western United States, whereas the latter has a shorter median process and is found in the eastern United States.
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
Western United States (AZ, CA, TX) .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin, dentis , tooth; Latin, cauda , tail. This epithet probably describes the projecting portion of the terminalia that separates it from closely related species.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ploiaria denticauda. 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 denticauda (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by drswanny
Frequently Asked Questions About Ploiaria denticauda
What is Ploiaria denticauda?
Ploiaria denticauda is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Ploiaria denticauda?
5-6 mm
How do you identify Ploiaria denticauda?
In the United States, two species of Ploiaria have a medial, caudally-projecting spine on the back of the head: P. denticauda and P. hirticornis . The former has the ultimate tergite with a longer medial projection in both sexes and is found in the western United States, whereas the latter has a shorter median process and is found in the eastern United States.
Where is Ploiaria denticauda found?
Range: Western United States (AZ, CA, TX) .