Morphology Reduviidae
a zelus nymph southeastern united states
adult insects range 4.0 40 mm, depending on species. commonly have elongated head distinct narrowed neck , long legs, , prominent, segmented, tubular mouthparts, commonly called proboscis, authors use term rostrum . species bright in color hues of brown, black, red, or orange.
the distinctive feature of family tip of rostrum fits groove in prosternum, may used stridulation rasping against ridges in groove. structure of ridges stridulitrum, or stridulatory organ produce sound, tactic used discourage predators. if harassment continues, many species can deliver painful stab proboscis, injecting venom or digestive juices. effects can intensely painful , injection species may medically significant.
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