Oxycarenidae

Definition

A family of small, often seed-feeding true bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeoidea) characterized by their generally elongate-oval body form, reduced wing venation, and association with herbaceous plants. Members typically possess a distinctive head structure with the postclypeus swollen and the bucculae (lateral ridges of the head) extending posteriorly to the eyes. The family exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution with greatest diversity in the Palearctic and Afrotropical regions.

Etymology

Example

Oxycarenus lavaterae, the lime seed bug, is a widespread Palearctic species in Oxycarenidae that aggregates on lime trees (Tilia spp.) and feeds on developing seeds, occasionally becoming a minor nuisance pest when adults seek overwintering shelter in buildings.

Related Terms

• Lygaeidae
• Hemiptera
• Lygaeoidea
• Heteroptera
• seed bug
• true bug

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as a subfamily (Oxycareninae) within Lygaeidae, Oxycarenidae was elevated to family rank based on phylogenetic analyses of morphological and molecular data. The family is distinguished from related lygaeoid families by features of the male genitalia and pretarsal structure. Identification to genus and species often requires examination of genitalic characters.