Hypsithocus hudsonae | |
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Dorsal view | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hemiptera |
Suborder: | Heteroptera |
Family: | Pentatomidae |
Genus: | Hypsithocus |
Species: | H. hudsonae |
Binomial name | |
Hypsithocus hudsonae Bergroth, 1927 | |
Hypsithocus hudsonae, sometimes called the alpine shield bug [1] or black alpine shield bug, is a species of flightless shield bug endemic to New Zealand. [2] Few specimens have ever been collected and these have come from a relatively narrow geographical range. The New Zealand Department of Conservation classifies this species as 'At Risk,' with qualifiers 'data poor' and 'range restricted.' [3]
H. hudsonae are dark brown shield bugs, 7–9 mm in length. Their bodies are oval shaped and flattened. [4] Nymphs appear similar to adults except the margins of their bodies are pale brown. [5] It is the only flightless New Zealand shield bug. [1]
As with many species of Pentatomidae, H. hudsonae nymphs hatch from eggs and pass through five instars before reaching adulthood. [1]
Specimens have only ever been collected from a small number of mountain sites in Central Otago 1200–1700 m above sea level. [4] Their limited range may be explained by a lack of dispersal ability, as adults are flightless. [1] The species is herbivorous, and has been collected from Veronica odora , so may feed on that species. [4] Mating is likely to occur in summer and the species probably only has a single brood each year. [4]