| Shield and stink bugs | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Acanthosoma labiduroides female | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Infraorder: | Pentatomomorpha |
| Superfamily: | Pentatomoidea |
| Families | |
|
|
Pentatomoidea is a superfamily of insects in the Heteroptera suborder of the Hemiptera order and, as such, share a common arrangement of sucking mouthparts.[1] They are commonly referred to as shield bugs or stink bugs. Shield bugs have glands in their thorax between the first and second pair of legs which produce a foul smelling liquid. This liquid is used defensively to deter potential predators and is sometimes released when the bugs are handled carelessly. The distinctive smell comes from aldehydes such as CH3–(CH2)2–CH=CH–CHO.
The nymphs, similar to adults except smaller and without wings, also have stink glands.
The nymphs and adults have piercing mouthparts which most use to suck sap from plants, although some eat other insects. When they group in large numbers they can become significant pests.
Other species that resemble Pentatomoidea insects are found in the Coreoidea superfamily.
Stinkbugs normally appear during the spring and summer months.
Families
In Britain the families encountered are Cydnidae, Acanthosomatidae, Pentatomidae and Scutelleridae. [2]
Both Aphylidae and Lestoniidae are smaller family groups comprising only two (L.) or three (A.) species endemic to the Australia. Aphylidae inhabit eucalyptus bark.[3]
The Canopidae and Phloeidae are found strictly in the Neotropical ecozone [4]
The Dinidoridae can be found in the Afrotropical and Oriental regions (including Korea); South America and Australia. [5]
Megarididae have been documented only in the central America area.[6]
Plataspididae are restricted to the tropics and sub tropics of the Eastern Hemisphere although a few species of Coptosoma occur in the Palearctic.[7]
Tessaratomidae are centred mainly in the Old World tropics and there is some evidence of parental care in this group. [8]
Thaumastellidae are limited to the Afrotropical and Palearctic regions. There is some debate to their inclusion within Pentatomoidea.[9]
Urostylididae are predominantly found in the eastern palearctic ecozone[10] (including Korea).
See also
References
- ^ "Hemiptera: bugs, aphids and cicadas". CSIRO. http://www.ento.csiro.au/education/insects/hemiptera.html. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
- ^ www.earthlife.net
- ^ P136 Christopher G. Morris Academic Press dictionary of science and technology, Gulf Professional Publishing, 1992, ISBN 0122004000
- ^ P220 Randall T. Schuh, James Alexander Slater, True bugs of the world (Hemiptera:Heteroptera): classification and natural history, Cornell University Press, 1995, ISBN 0801420660
- ^ P415 Zoological Catalogue of Australia: Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomomorpha Volume 27, Editor Australian Biological Resources Study, CSIRO Publishing, 2002 ISBN 0643068759
- ^ www.discoverlife.org
- ^ P76 Randall
- ^ P311, James T. Costa, The other insect societies; Belknap Press Series Harvard University Press, 2006 ISBN 0674021630
- ^ P353 Zoological Catalogue of Australia
- ^ Robert G. Foottit, Peter H. Adler Insect Biodiversity: Science and Society, John Wiley and Sons, 2009, ISBN 1405151420
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