Diagnosis and Specialized Morphology

Species of Reduviinae are primarily recognized by the absence of characters found in other reduviids (Schuh & Slater 1995). Some characters used in recognizing reduviines include:
1) ocelli present usually
2) absence of a discal cell in hemelytron
3) 3-segmented tarsi
4) presence of fossula spongiosa and fore and middle legs

Taxonomic History

Taxonomic history for this subfamily is being reviewed.

Natural History/Biology

At least 140 genera have been described in this widely distributed subfamily. Most species are nocturnal and believed to be generalist predators on insects and other arthropods (Schuh & Slater 1995). Some species live in animal burrows (e.g., Reduvius spp.) [Schuh & Slater 1995]. One species, Reduvius personatus (Linnaeus), is closely associated with humans (Schuh & Slater 1995).

References

Schuh, R.T., Slater, J.A. 1995. True Bugs of the World (Hemiptera: Heteroptera): Classification and Natural History. Comstock Pub. Associates, Ithaca. 336 pp.