Stenopoda spinulosa
This record describes Stenopoda spinulosa (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very large, straw-colored/grayish. Note these features : ...lurks about the branches and twigs of trees, watching for caterpillars and other insects upon which to leap and transfix with the curved acute rostrum, and while holding one between the fore femora and tibiae, soon sucks it to death. (Uhler 1884, fide Blatchley )
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
- Stenopodainae
- Genus
- Stenopoda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Perhaps rather arboreal ( 3 )
Geographic Range
NS-FL to KS-TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: especially caterpillars ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Stenopoda spinulosa Giacchi 1969
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stenopoda spinulosa. 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 Stenopoda spinulosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Stenopoda spinulosa
What is Stenopoda spinulosa?
Stenopoda spinulosa is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Stenopoda spinulosa?
22-30 mm
How do you identify Stenopoda spinulosa?
Very large, straw-colored/grayish. Note these features :
Where is Stenopoda spinulosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Perhaps rather arboreal ( 3 ) |
| Range | NS-FL to KS-TX |
What does Stenopoda spinulosa eat?
The diet of the Stenopoda spinulosa includes especially caterpillars ( 3 ).