Rhynocoris erythropus

Rhynocoris erythropus, eating Dasytidae beetle.

Can I assume R. erythropus instead of R. cuspidatus because it doesn't have red stripped femur/tibias?
Always a problem to distinguish this two.
Thanks!
=> It is Rhynocoris erythropus alright, but based on other characters - see comment below :o)

comments (3)

Pudding4brains

Lion

Howdy,
Rhynocoris are very variable and experts always state that R. cuspidatus, R. iracundus and R. rubricus need to be identified by male genitalia to be sure. Nevertheless the same experts will write out keys that hold valid characters for _most_ cases (assuming the individual is not overly aberrant).
In those keys Rhynocoris erythropus is keyed out by the pale line along the middle of the scutellum and by the first segment of the rostrum being black (not red as in most similar species) - or sometimes slightly reddish ventrally but always black dorsally. In combination with the coloured corius and spotted connexivium these characters seem strong enough to not require genital examination for this species. The legs you mentioned are awfully variable though, so better not use the pattern on these .... Posted 8 years ago
1. RMFelix
  
  Lion
  
  Here it is the same individual, released today:
  
  Thanks for the ID, cheers! Posted 8 years ago, modified 8 years ago
2. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Nice job on the ID! Posted 8 years ago

The Rhynocoris Erythropus

Rhynocoris is a genus of assassin bug, family (Reduviidae), in the subfamily Harpactorinae. Species of this genus are noted for providing parental care of offspring. Parental care is unusual in subsocial insects, having only evolved six times in the Heteroptera.

Info 3 0

Similar species: True Bugs

Species identified by Pudding4brains