Colobathristidae

Definition

A family of true bugs (order Hemiptera) comprising more than 20 genera and approximately 90 described species. Members are small, slender insects with elongated bodies and reduced wings in some species; they are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions where they feed on plant sap.

Etymology

Example

Colobathristidae species such as those in the genus Phaenacantha are recognized by their narrow, elongate form and are sometimes collected in light traps in Southeast Asian forest understories.

Related Terms

• Hemiptera
• Heteroptera
• Pentatomomorpha
• true bug
• sap-feeding

Usage Notes

Family rank within Pentatomomorpha; sometimes grouped with related families in the superfamily Lygaeoidea. Identification relies on genitalic characters and wing venation patterns. Not to be confused with similarly slender reduviid bugs (assassin bugs) which are predatory.