Zelus araneiformis
Encyclopedia
Zelus araneiformis is a species of true bug (harpactorinae
) found in French Guyana. This species completes its development on Cecropia obtusa Aubl. (Urticaceae
), which is unusual for predatory assassin bugs. Other species of Zelus
use sticky resins to aid in prey capture.
Harpactorinae
Harpactorinae is a large subfamily of the reduviid . About 300 genera and 2000 species worldwide have been described. Some of the species of the genera Zelus, Pselliopus, Sinea and Apiomerus are of interest as natural enemies of crop pests.-partial list of genera:*Acholla Stål, 1862*Apiomerus...
) found in French Guyana. This species completes its development on Cecropia obtusa Aubl. (Urticaceae
Urticaceae
Urticaceae, or the nettle family, is a family of flowering plants. The family name comes from the genus Urtica . Urticaceae includes a number of well-known and useful plants, including the aforementioned nettles, Ramie , māmaki , and ajlai .The family includes approximately 2600 species, grouped...
), which is unusual for predatory assassin bugs. Other species of Zelus
Zelus
In Greek mythology, Zelus was the son of Pallas and Styx. Zelus and siblings Nike , Kratos and Bia were winged enforcers who stood in attendance at Zeus' throne and formed part of his retinue....
use sticky resins to aid in prey capture.