Litter Bugs

Dipsocoromorpha

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dipsocoromorpha: /ˌdɪpsəˌkɔːrəˈmɔːrfə/

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

Images

Glyptocombus (10.3897-zookeys.796.24176) Figure 3 by Weirauch C, Hoey-Chamberlain R, Knyshov A (2018) Synopsis of Schizopteridae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Dipsocoromorpha) from the United States, with description of seven new species from the US and Mexico. In: Wheeler Jr AG (Ed.) A Festschrift Recognizing Thomas J. Henry for a Lifetime of Contributions to Heteropteran Systematics. ZooKeys 796: 49-82. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.796.24176. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Glyptocombus (10.3897-zookeys.796.24176) Figure 2 by Weirauch C, Hoey-Chamberlain R, Knyshov A (2018) Synopsis of Schizopteridae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Dipsocoromorpha) from the United States, with description of seven new species from the US and Mexico. In: Wheeler Jr AG (Ed.) A Festschrift Recognizing Thomas J. Henry for a Lifetime of Contributions to Heteropteran Systematics. ZooKeys 796: 49-82. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.796.24176. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Glyptocombus (10.3897-zookeys.796.24176) Figure 1 by Weirauch C, Hoey-Chamberlain R, Knyshov A (2018) Synopsis of Schizopteridae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Dipsocoromorpha) from the United States, with description of seven new species from the US and Mexico. In: Wheeler Jr AG (Ed.) A Festschrift Recognizing Thomas J. Henry for a Lifetime of Contributions to Heteropteran Systematics. ZooKeys 796: 49-82. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.796.24176. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Schizoptera (10.3897-zookeys.796.24176) Figure 9 by Weirauch C, Hoey-Chamberlain R, Knyshov A (2018) Synopsis of Schizopteridae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Dipsocoromorpha) from the United States, with description of seven new species from the US and Mexico. In: Wheeler Jr AG (Ed.) A Festschrift Recognizing Thomas J. Henry for a Lifetime of Contributions to Heteropteran Systematics. ZooKeys 796: 49-82. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.796.24176. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Schizoptera (10.3897-zookeys.796.24176) Figure 8 by Weirauch C, Hoey-Chamberlain R, Knyshov A (2018) Synopsis of Schizopteridae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Dipsocoromorpha) from the United States, with description of seven new species from the US and Mexico. In: Wheeler Jr AG (Ed.) A Festschrift Recognizing Thomas J. Henry for a Lifetime of Contributions to Heteropteran Systematics. ZooKeys 796: 49-82. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.796.24176. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Corixidea major (10.3897-zookeys.796.24176) Figure 5 by Weirauch C, Hoey-Chamberlain R, Knyshov A (2018) Synopsis of Schizopteridae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Dipsocoromorpha) from the United States, with description of seven new species from the US and Mexico. In: Wheeler Jr AG (Ed.) A Festschrift Recognizing Thomas J. Henry for a Lifetime of Contributions to Heteropteran Systematics. ZooKeys 796: 49-82. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.796.24176. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Dipsocoromorpha is an infraorder of the order Hemiptera, comprised of some of the smallest true bugs which inhabit primarily tropical environments and are found in leaf litter and other ground areas.

Physical Characteristics

0.5‒4 mm long, long whip-like antennae, flattened and broad body, long hairs on antennae.

Identification Tips

Look for small size (0.5-4 mm), flattened body shape, and distinctive long antennae.

Habitat

Rotting wood, water margins, ground litter layer; also found in mangroves and low vegetation areas.

Distribution

Mostly tropical regions, with 6 species in 3 genera in our area and approximately 340 species in about 60 genera worldwide.

Diet

Predatory.

Ecosystem Role

Dipsocoromorpha play a role in the decomposition process by preying on other small organisms in leaf litter and forest floor.

Evolution

Fossil records date back to the Early Cretaceous period, though few fossils are well preserved.

Tags

  • Dipsocoromorpha
  • Litter Bugs
  • Hemiptera
  • Insects
  • Predatory Insects