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| | | Coranus aegyptius | | Coranus aegyptius belong to the genus Coranus, in the order bugs (Hemiptera), the suborder true bugs (Heteroptera), the infraorder Cimicomorpha, the superfamily Reduvioidea, the family assassin bugs (Reduviidae), the subfamily Harpactorinae and the tribe Harpactorini. This assassin bug species is widespread throughout the Mediterranean region as far north as the southern edge of the Alps. | | |
| | | | Adult Coranus aegyptius reach body lengths of 9-10 mm. Their body shape resembles that of a bug from the genus Rhinocoris, but they are much smaller. The body colour varies from grey-brown to dark grey. The abdomen, however, is red in colour. The head of these insects is slightly round in shape. The distance between their eyes and the base of the antennae is about the same distance as between the eyes and the back of the head. The fourth segment of the antennae (which are always bent) is about the same length as the innermost antennal segment. | | |
| | | Coranus aegyptius have a short, strong proboscis (rostrum) which is strongly curved downward and is divided into three parts. The proboscis, which is mainly used to sting and inject enzymes into prey is not held next to the body in resting position. The proboscis can produce sound when it is moved through a longitudinal groove in the anterior of the underside of the chest. The scutellum has a yellow keel and a blunt spine at the end. | | |
| | The thighs of the front legs are strong and dark and the knees are wide and light in colour. Coranus aegyptius are found on trees, bushes, plants, flowers and on the ground, where they lie in wait for their prey (mostly unspecialized eg arthropods). When they catch prey they can put it on the rostrum and inject saliva into it, thereby either paralyzing or killing it.
The larvae go through 5 larval stages (shedding their skin each time) to reach maturity. Coranus aegyptius overwinter as larvae or adults. | | |
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| | | Description of images / photos | | 1. | Coranus aegyptius - Assassin bug | | 2. | Coranus aegyptius - Front view |
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