Skip to main content

Peiratinae

Peirates sp.

Photo by Mark Ridgway
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-37.891, 145.321

Field Notes

Description:

This bug was found under a damp log turned over in the local national park. Maybe the shock of daylight caused it to remain very still. A type of ground assassin bug, it has specialised 'pads' on it's front 4 tibia which enable it to capture and hold onto some slippery customers. I wonder if this one can prey on those vicious flatworms?

Habitat:

Damp, eucalyptus based short forest in a local national park.

Notes:

Reduviidae <br> Peiratinae <br> According to Graeme Cocks "The fossula spongiosa is a pad on the fore tibia of Peiratinae - Reduviidae, which is used for capturing prey. The relatively short length of this pad (less than half the length of the tibia) identifies this bug as being in the genus Peirates." <br>
http://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:biodiversity.org.au:afd.taxon:3e…

Reference Links:

Hemiptera features - figure 9

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (13)
Mark Ridgway
Thanks Luis, James, Antonio. Sorry it was such a creepy one. :)
James McNair
I also send belated congrats on the 2K. Great job Mark, on to the next 2000!
AntónioGinjaGinja
Mark very nice series, i missed your 2000th one :-( :-) Congrats on the huge milestone and thanks for sharing your awesome spotting page and for your allways interesting and cool comments
Mark Ridgway
Thanks Albert... Spring is here so spottings might get prettier.
MartinL
No, not wrong at all because it is very interesting information. Yet, I guess a cute koala would get more clicks
AlbertKang
Congrats on your 2000th spottings with this interesting critter!
Mark Ridgway
Thanks Martin. Do you think it is a bit wrong to put up something 'ugly' or unappealing for a milestone? :)
MartinL
Professor Mark! That is 2000 spottings for you. You have shared some incredible sightings and made a terrific contribution to our education and enjoyment. Thank you, and well done.
Mark Ridgway
I suppose sticky would make sense Ernst especially if these need to work in the dark. Martin the whole animal seemed to have a finely tubercular texture on upper surfaces... I think it was actually quite dry in spite of the damp location. Pic 2 shows the surface best. I noticed in my searches that other ground assassins are smooth.
MartinL
That is not a feature I had noticed on mine. I can see them now you've pointed it out. Does yours have water droplets on its back or is it a warty texture?
Mark Ridgway
Thanks Ernst. I have never seen those tarsal pads before. It would be interesting to see them in action.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Dandenong Ranges - fauna & flora
Mission
Mission WILD

Tags

Photographed
PublishedSeptember 6, 2014

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies