Zelus cervicalis
This record describes Zelus cervicalis (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Zelus cervicalis (Zelus cervicalis) is a species in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as assassin bugs, belonging to the order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies). It is classified within the subfamily Harpactorinae, tribe Harpactorini, suborder Heteroptera, superfamily Miroidea. This species belongs to the genus Zelus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 12-16 mm. Active during Apr-Oct in NC.
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
- Zelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US (TX-FL-VA-OK), plus limited sw records to Colombia - Map , mostly se US
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct in NC ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zelus cervicalis Stål 1872
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Zelus cervicalis. 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 Zelus cervicalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Zelus cervicalis
What is Zelus cervicalis?
Zelus cervicalis is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Zelus cervicalis?
12-16 mm
Where is Zelus cervicalis found?
Range: se. US (TX-FL-VA-OK), plus limited sw records to Colombia - Map , mostly se US
When is Zelus cervicalis active?
Zelus cervicalis: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct in NC ( 4 ).