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Holotrichius innesi

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Holotrichius innesi
Scientific classification
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H. innesi
Binomial name
Holotrichius innesi
Horvath, 1909

Holotrichius innesi (known as the afrur in part of its range) is an assassin bug found in some Middle Eastern countries. When touched, this insect emits a varying number of stridulating noises in double pulses.[1]

In the deserts of Israel the afrur ("dirt" in colloquial Hebrew, from its habit of covering itself with dirt) is believed to have a powerful venom, and that it is possibly to blame for deaths attributed to snake and scorpion envenomation. However, no deaths have been formally attributed to it.[2]

Subspecies

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  • H. i innesi
  • H. i. rugicollis

References

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  1. ^ U. Yinon, P. Amitaia & A. Shulov (1972). "The stridulatory mechanism and the analysis of sound produced by the bug Holotrichius innesi (Horvath) (Heteroptera: Reduviidae)". Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology. 41 (2): 373–381, IN3–IN7. doi:10.1016/0300-9629(72)90068-0.
  2. ^ Caras, R.A. Dangerous to Man. Pelican, 1975. P. 225