Apiomerus luctuosus, Lima, Seabra & Hathaway, 1951

Apiomerus luctuosus View in CoL Costa Lima, Seabra & Hathaway, 1951

Apiomerus luctuosus View in CoL was described based on specimens from the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon ( Costa Lima et al. 1951). Gil-Santana et al. (2006) synonymized under it five other species of Apiomerus View in CoL described by Costa Lima et al. (1951), upon considering them color morphs of the same taxon. Gil-Santana et al. (2006) based their assertion not only on the examination of type specimens, but mainly on a group of specimens collected from the same population in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, with specimens showing the whole range of color variation that previously separated the six species which are now Ap. luctuosus View in CoL . According to the literature, individuals of Ap. luctuosus View in CoL have, in general, a total length of approximately 15-20 mm (females), 14-17 mm (males) (from the frons to tip of the hemelytra), with a blackish to dark general coloration. The corium of the hemelytra is variably paler, as well as basal portions of the legs, variable in location and extension among individuals ( Fig. 3A View Figures 3 ) ( Gil-Santana et al. 2006). Recently, this reduviid was reported as a predator of Euglossa spp. ( Apinae View in CoL : Euglossini View in CoL ) orchid bees in the Brazilian Amazon ( Marsaro Júnior et al. 2022).

Species of Apiomerus Hahn, 1831 View in CoL prey upon insects of diverse orders ( Marques et al. 2003), but most predation activity seems to occur on bees ( Hymenoptera View in CoL : Apidae View in CoL ). This fact has conferred them the title of “bee assassins” (Gil-Santana et al. 2003; Marques et al. 2003). Synopsis of Apiomerus spp. general predation reports were provided by Gil-Santana (2002). Summaries on their predation on bees can be found in Marques et al. (2003) and Gil-Santana et al. (2015).

Distribution. Bolivia, Peru, Brazil (states of Amazonas, Bahia, EspÍrito Santo, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rio de Janeiro and Rondônia) ( Costa Lima et al. 1951); Brazil (state of Rio Grande do Sul, new state record); Nicaragua ( Bérenger 1995).

Harpactorini