Plataspidae

Common Name

Shield Bugs

Overview

The Plataspidae is a family within the order Hemiptera, commonly known as the true bugs. Members of this family are distinguished by their shield-like appearance and are often found in various habitats ranging from forests to agricultural fields.

Taxonomy

• Order: Hemiptera
• Suborder: Heteroptera
• Superfamily: Pentatomoidea
• Family: Plataspidae

Key Characteristics

• Shape: Rounded and convex, resembling a shield
• Size: Small to medium-sized, typically ranging from 5 to 12 mm in length
• Color: Varies widely but often includes brown, green, or grayish tones
• Antennae: Typically five-segmented
• Shield: The scutellum is large, covering most of the abdomen and wings

Life Cycle

• Egg: Oval and laid in clusters on host plants
• Nymph: Pass through multiple instar stages, resembling adults but without fully developed wings
• Adult: Fully winged and capable of reproduction. Can overwinter in some species.

Behavior and Ecology

• Diet: Primarily phytophagous, feeding on plant sap using their piercing-sucking mouthparts
• Habitat: Found in various environments, from under stones and bark to agricultural fields
• Predators: Include birds, other insects, and parasitic wasps
• Defense: Emit foul-smelling chemicals to deter predators

Notable Species

• Megacopta cribraria: Known as the kudzu bug, invasive in parts of the United States and a pest to leguminous crops
• Coptosoma xanthogramma: Frequently encountered in European regions, often on legumes

Conservation

• Generally not considered threatened or endangered. Some species can become agricultural pests requiring management in crop systems.

Significance to Humans

• Mostly neutral but can be significant agricultural pests, causing damage to crops like soybeans and other legumes.

Fun Facts

• Defense Mechanisms: Can release a pungent odor to deter predators.
• Super Family: Part of the Pentatomoidea, sharing the shield-like feature with stink bugs (Pentatomidae).
• Color Variations: The coloring and markings on shield bugs can sometimes help identify different species.
• Niche Habitats: Some Plataspidae species can be found in very specific habitats, such as under stones or within leaf litter.
• Pest Alert: The kudzu bug, a member of this family, can be a significant pest in areas where it has been introduced accidentally.