Pentatomidae Temporal range: | |
---|---|
Nezara viridula | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hemiptera |
Suborder: | Heteroptera |
Infraorder: | Pentatomomorpha |
Superfamily: | Pentatomoidea |
Family: | Pentatomidae Leach, 1815 |
Subfamilies | |
Pentatomidae is a family of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, generally called shield bugs or stink bugs. Pentatomidae is the largest family in the superfamily Pentatomoidea, and contains around 900 genera and over 4700 species. [1] [2] As hemipterans, the pentatomids have piercing sucking mouthparts, and most are phytophagous, including several species which are severe pests on agricultural crops. However, some species, particularly in the subfamily Asopinae, are predatory and may be considered beneficial.
The name "Pentatomidae" is from the Greek pente meaning "five" and tomos meaning "section", and refers to the five segments of their antennae. [1] Pentatomids are generally called "shield bugs" in British English, or "stink bugs" in American English. However, the term shield bugs is also applied broadly to include several related families (e.g. Acanthosomatidae, Scutelleridae, and Cydnidae), or specifically only to refer to species in the family Acanthosomatidae. [1] [3] [4] [5] [6] The term shield bug refers to the generalized body shape of adult bugs in these families which resembles a heraldic shield when viewed from above.
The American name "stink bug" is specific to the Pentatomidae, and refers to their ability to release a pungent defensive spray when threatened, disturbed, or crushed. The composition of this spray may vary between species, and even by sex or age, [7] but generally includes aldehydes and alkanes. Descriptions of the smells vary widely, and include oily, dusty, woody and earthy, and like coriander. [8] [9] In some species, the liquid contains cyanide compounds and a rancid almond scent, used to protect themselves and discourage predators. [8]
The term "stink bug" may also be a vernacular for unrelated insects such as pinacate beetles (in the genus Eleodes ). [10]
There are several subfamilies, of which the Aphylinae is often given family status, but is here retained as a subfamily, following Grazia et al. (2008). [11] The subfamilies include: [12]
All pentatomids have 5-segmented antennae, and 3 tarsal segments on each foot. They generally have a large triangular scutellum in the center of the back. The body shape of adult pentatomids is generally "shieldlike," when viewed from above, but this varies between species, and is not true for the immature nymphal stages. The forewings of stink bugs are called hemelytra, with the basal half thickened while the apex is membranous. At rest, the wings are laid across the back of the insect, with the membranous wingtips overlapping. The hindwings are entirely membranous.
Several stink bugs and shield bugs are considered agricultural pests, because they can grow into large populations that feed on crops, damaging production, and they are resistant to many pesticides. They are a threat to cotton, corn, sorghum, soybeans, native and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, weeds, and many cultivated crops. [13]
In Mexico, some species of stink bugs are called jumil, chinche de monte, xotlinilli, or chumil (e.g. Edessa mexicana ). They are most often eaten in the states of Morelos and Guerrero. The flavor is sometimes said to resemble cinnamon, or sometimes a bitter medicinal flavor. Jumiles may be used for making sauces or as taco filling. [14]
Since recent arrival in the U.S., populations of the brown marmorated stink bug have grown significantly. As of October 2014, brown marmorated stink bugs can be found in 41 out of 50 states within the U.S. [15] In 2016 New Zealand's MPI put out an alert to prevent this invasive species from entering via imported cargo. [16]
European species within this family include: [17]
Pentatominae is a subfamily of Pentatomidae, a family of shield bugs. This subfamily is the largest one within the Pentatomidae, having 4937 species classified in 938 genera. Species in this subfamily are phytophages and several of them are considered agricultural pests. Some invasive pentatomines such as Halyomorpha halys and Bagrada hilaris have been considered household pests. Higher systematics of the group have been revised by Rider et al.
Asopinae are a subfamily of stink bugs. They are predatory stink bugs that are useful as biological control agents against pests, even against other Pentatomid species, which are all herbivorous.
Alydidae, commonly known as broad-headed bugs, is a family of true bugs very similar to the closely related Coreidae. There are at least 60 genera and 300 species altogether. Distributed in the temperate and warmer regions of the Earth, most are tropical and subtropical animals; for example Europe has a mere 10 species, and only 2 of these occur outside the Mediterranean region.
Coreinae is a subfamily in the hemipteran family Coreidae. They have been shown to be paraphyletic with respect to Meropachyinae.
Rhynocoris is a genus of assassin bug, family (Reduviidae), in the subfamily Harpactorinae. Species are recorded from Asia, mainland Europe, Africa and North America.
Eurydema is a genus of shield bug in the family Pentatomidae.
Sehirus is a genus of burrowing bugs or negro bugs belonging to the family Cydnidae, subfamily Sehirinae.
Picromerus is a genus of shield bugs in the family Pentatomidae.
Sciocorini is a tribe of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae.
Cydninae is a subfamily of burrowing bugs in the family Cydnidae. There are about 11 genera and at least 40 described species in Cydninae.
Nezarini is a tribe of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae.
Podopinae, known as turtle bugs, are a subfamily of the insect family Pentatomidae. The type genus is Podops.
Carpocorini is a tribe of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae. There are more than 100 genera in Carpocorini.
Neottiglossa is a genus of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae. There are about 10 described species in Neottiglossa.
Bagrada is a genus of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae.
Bathycoelia is a genus of shield bugs in the subfamily Pentatominae and the monotypic tribe Bathycoeliini.
Podops is a genus of Palaearctic bugs, in the family Pentatomidae; it is the type genus of the subfamily Podopinae and tribe Podopini. Species are recorded from Europe and includes the type species P. inunctus, which can be found in the British Isles.