Anthocorini

Fieber, 1837

minute pirate bugs

Genus Guides

8

Anthocorini is a tribe of minute pirate bugs within the Anthocoridae, comprising approximately 7 and over 30 described . Members are small predatory true bugs distributed across the Palaearctic Region and other areas. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Anthocoris and Orius (the latter sometimes placed in Oriini), which are used in . Japanese fauna includes five genera and 13 species, with ongoing taxonomic revisions revealing new species and clarifying previous misidentifications.

Anthocoris confusus (Anthocoridae) - (imago), Elst (Gld), the Netherlands - 3 by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.Anthocoris nemorum 134528564 by Michel Langeveld. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Macrotrachelia nigronitens - inat 261549166 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthocorini: /ænˌθoʊkoʊˈraɪnaɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Identification to tribe level within Anthocoridae requires examination of male and female genitalia, as emphasized in taxonomic revisions. The Japanese fauna identification key distinguishes Anthocorini by combinations of antennal segment proportions, pronotal structure, and hemelytral features. -level identification relies on detailed examination of parameres and other genitalic structures.

Images

Distribution

Widespread in the Palaearctic Region, with documented occurrence across Europe and Asia. In Japan, five and 13 have been recorded, including recent first records of Anthocoris nemoralis (assumed accidental introduction from Europe), Temnostethus distans, and Anthocoris kalopanacis. Anthocoris nemoralis is common and widespread in Europe.

Human Relevance

Members of Anthocorini, particularly in the Anthocoris, have been utilized as agents against pest insects and mites in agricultural and horticultural systems. The accidental introduction of Anthocoris nemoralis into Japan has been documented, highlighting potential for unintended range expansions.

Similar Taxa

  • OriiniAnother tribe within Anthocoridae containing minute pirate bugs; historically some now in Anthocorini were placed in Oriini, and the two tribes share similar predatory habits and general , requiring careful examination of genitalic and antennal characters for distinction.

More Details

Taxonomic Uncertainty

Generic composition of Anthocorini varies among sources. BioLib recognizes 10+ including Acompocoris, Anthocoris, Coccivora, Dufouriellus, Elatophilus, Galchana, Macrotrachelia, Melanocoris, Temnostethus, Tetraphleps, and the fossil genus †Xyloesteles, while other treatments may differ. The genus Orius, sometimes associated with Anthocorini in broader treatments, is now generally placed in the separate tribe Oriini.

Sources and further reading