Coreoidea

Definition

A superfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomomorpha) comprising leaf-footed bugs, squash bugs, and allies, characterized by elongated bodies, often expanded hind tibiae or femora, and scent glands opening on the dorsal abdomen rather than the metathorax. The group includes five families—Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs), Alydidae (broad-headed bugs), Rhopalidae (scentless plant bugs), Hyocephalidae, and Stenocephalidae—with over 3,300 described species, primarily phytophagous and often economically significant as crop pests.

Etymology

From Greek kore (κόρη) 'maiden, pupil of the eye,' the classical name for Coreus marginatus, the dock bug, plus -oidea 'resembling,' the standard suffix for superfamilies.

Example

The western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis, Coreidae) is a familiar Coreoidea species that has expanded its range across North America and often enters buildings in autumn to overwinter.

Related Terms

• Pentatomomorpha
• Coreidae
• Alydidae
• Rhopalidae
• Hemiptera
• true bug
• leaf-footed bug
• Scent gland

Usage Notes

Coreoidea is distinguished from the closely related superfamily Lygaeoidea by the dorsal abdominal position of the scent-gland orifices (in Lygaeoidea, these open on the metathorax). The superfamily is sometimes referred to informally as 'coreoid bugs,' though this term lacks formal rank. Family-level composition has varied historically; Hyocephalidae and Stenocephalidae were elevated from subfamilies relatively recently.