Reduviidae

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Reduviidae is a large, cosmopolitan family of predatory insects in the suborder Heteroptera. It includes assassin bugs (genera include Melanolestes, Pselliopus, Rasahus, Reduvius, Rhinocoris, and Zelus), ambush bugs, wheel bugs, and thread-legged bugs. Most members of this family are known to be beneficial insects, as they feed on other insects, which are pests to humans.

Description

Members of the Reduviidae family are usually recognized by their elongated head; narrow, curved, segmented rostrum; and raptorial forelegs. Adults can range in size from 4 to 40 mm. They are equipped with a 'rostrum' that is designed not for piercing plant tissues but for delivering a lethal saliva that liquefies the insides of the prey, which are then sucked out. The saliva is commonly highly toxic and can cause a very painful bite in humans if handled incautiously.

Behavior

Reduviidae are known for their aggressive behavior and their ability to deliver painful bites. They are also known for their role in controlling pest populations. Some species have been known to stalk their prey in a manner similar to mammalian predators, a behavior unusual in insects.

Taxonomy

The family Reduviidae belongs to the order Hemiptera, the true bugs. It contains more than 7000 species, divided into 25 subfamilies and 900 genera. The family includes the subfamilies Triatominae, which are vectors of Chagas disease, and Holoptilinae, or feather-legged bugs, which are kleptoparasites of spiders.

Medical Importance

Some species of Reduviidae, specifically the subfamily Triatominae, are known to transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. This disease is a major health problem in Central and South America, causing significant morbidity and mortality.

See Also

References


WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia

Reduviidae

  • Assassin bug (Rhynocoris iracundus) with bee (Apis ssp) prey

  • Zelus bug nymph

  • Nymph of Reduviidae, found in Nepal

  • Gminatus australis with Beetle

  • Reduviidae camouflaged with debris

  • Reduviidae Rhinocoris - Flower assassin bug

  • Assassin Bug Nest

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/w/index.php?title=Reduviidae&oldid=6340754"

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD