Dinidoridae

Definition

A small family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising approximately sixteen genera and about one hundred species. Members of this family lack a widely recognized common name and were historically classified as a subfamily of Pentatomidae (stink bugs) until the late 19th century. Dinidoridae species are primarily tropical and subtropical in distribution, with many occurring in the Old World tropics.

Etymology

From the genus Dinidor, with the family suffix -idae.

Example

Species in the genus Dinidor, such as Dinidor nigrofasciatus, are representative members of Dinidoridae found in tropical Asian regions.

Related Terms

• Hemiptera
• Heteroptera
• Pentatomidae
• Pentatomoidea
• true bugs
• Stink bugs

Usage Notes

Historically treated as Dinidorinae within Pentatomidae; modern taxonomy recognizes Dinidoridae as a distinct family within the superfamily Pentatomoidea. No common name is established for the family as a whole.