Zelus janus
This record describes Zelus janus (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
coloration extremely variable, immatures pale w matching leg banding recent addition to our fauna, not treated in Henry & Froeschner (1988) ( 5 ) , regularly recorded in s. TX since 2016 ( 4 )
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
Habitat
Gulf coastal plains ( 3 )
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) / e. Mex. to C. Amer. - Map , plus a few records from Corpus area
Diet and Behavior
Life History
wide var. of plant asso. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zelus janus Stål 1862
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Zelus janus. 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 janus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Zelus janus
What is Zelus janus?
Zelus janus is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Zelus janus?
male length 15.4–19.6 mm (mean 17.6 mm) female length 19–22 mm (mean 20.5 mm)
How do you identify Zelus janus?
coloration extremely variable, immatures pale w matching leg banding
Where is Zelus janus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Gulf coastal plains ( 3 ) |
| Range | southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) / e. Mex. to C. Amer. - Map , plus a few records from Corpus area |
What is the life cycle of a Zelus janus?
wide var. of plant asso. ( 4 )