Spiny Assassin Bug
Sinea spinipes
This record describes Sinea spinipes (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult similar to adult S. diadema , but anterior pronotal lobe with blunt tubercles only (no spines) : Also, this character applies to keying adults only--nymphs cannot be keyed to species, in general. Important note: adult Sinea diadema , called Spined Assassin Bug ( iNaturalist ), is a bit more spiny than adult Sinea spinipes , called Spiny Assassin Bug ( iNaturalist ). Both species are quite spiny. The common names are misleading. Note that nymphs of these two widespread species are both very spiny and likely cannot be distinguished.
Wikipedia reference for Sinea spinipes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinea_spinipes.
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
- Harpactorinae
- Tribe
- Harpactorini
- Genus
- Sinea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
US east of the Rockies (NY‒FL to SD‒TX) & Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sinea spinipes ( Herrich-Schaeffer 1846)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Sinea spinipes. 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 Spiny Assassin Bug (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Ron M. , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiny Assassin Bug
What is Spiny Assassin Bug?
Spiny Assassin Bug (Sinea spinipes) is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Spiny Assassin Bug?
12‒14 mm
How do you identify Spiny Assassin Bug?
Adult similar to adult S. diadema , but anterior pronotal lobe with blunt tubercles only (no spines) : Also, this character applies to keying adults only--nymphs cannot be keyed to species, in general. Important note: adult Sinea diadema , called Spined Assassin Bug ( iNaturalist ), is a bit more spiny than adult Sinea spinipes , called Spiny Assassin Bug ( iNaturalist ). Both species are quite spiny. The common names are misleading. Note that nymphs of these two widespread species are both very spiny and likely cannot be distinguished.
Where is Spiny Assassin Bug found?
Range: US east of the Rockies (NY‒FL to SD‒TX) & Mexico