UNIQUE-HEADED BUG

also called Gnat Bug, any of the approximately 130 insect species of the family Enicocephalidae (order Heteroptera). The unique-headed bug, found throughout the world, is about 4 mm (0.2 inch) long and, as indicated by its common name, has an unusual elongated head that is constricted behind the eyes and also at the base. Its forewings are entirely membranous. Both the beak and the antennae have four joints, and the front pair of legs is adapted for grasping prey. Though it is found in all zoogeographic regions, little is known of its habits. Two North American species are Enicocephalus formicina and Systelloderus biceps (Henicocephalus culicis).