Cyrtocoridae

Definition

A family of true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by their distinctive rounded, often shield-like body form and enlarged, raptorial forelegs adapted for grasping prey. Members are typically predatory and occur in the Neotropical region.

Etymology

From Greek kyrtos (curved, rounded) + korax (raven, crow), referring to the rounded body shape.

Example

Cyrtocoris egeris, a representative species of Cyrtocoridae, uses its modified forelegs to capture and hold small arthropod prey while feeding.

Related Terms

• Hemiptera
• Heteroptera
• Pentatomomorpha
• predatory bug
• raptorial foreleg
• Neotropical fauna

Usage Notes

Sometimes treated as a subfamily (Cyrtocorinae) within Pentatomidae in older classifications; modern phylogenetic studies generally recognize it as a distinct family within the Pentatomomorpha. The family is relatively small and poorly known compared to related stink bug families.