Alydus

Fabricius, 1803

broad-headed bugs

Species Guides

Alydus calcaratus(ant bug)
Alydus conspersus(broad-headed bug)
Alydus eurinus(broad-headed bug)
Alydus pilosulus(White-margined Alydid)
Alydus scutellatus
Alydus tomentosus(broad-headed bug)

Alydus is the type of broad-headed bugs ( Alydidae), comprising approximately 11 described including two extinct species. Species occur across North America, Europe, and temperate Asia. Members of this genus are characterized by their broad, rounded and are frequently observed feeding on , carrion, and other extra-phytophagous materials alongside butterflies and other insects. Nymphs of at least one species exhibit mimicry and may develop in association with ant nests.

Alydus calcaratus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Harald Schnöde (Schnde). Used under a CC0 license.

Alydus scutellatus by (c) Elliott Gordon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elliott Gordon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Alydus eurinus by (c) Thomas Koffel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Koffel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Alydus: /ˈælɪdəs/

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

Identification

Alydus can be distinguished from other Alydidae by their broad, rounded shape. The genus is characterized by a distinctly curved fourth antennal segment and long legs with spines on the hind . Some species have an orange-red that is exposed in . Nymphs are convincing mimics with body form and coloration resembling ants.

Images

Habitat

occupy diverse including coastal sandy areas, grasslands, and areas where leguminous plants occur. In Britain, Alydus calcaratus is found in coastal areas and other sandy habitats in southern England and parts of Wales.

Distribution

North America, Europe, and temperate Asia. Distribution records include China, Albania, Austria, Belgium, and across northern North America.

Seasonality

In Alydus calcaratus, overwinter and a new appears in July. Specific seasonality for other is not well documented.

Diet

feed primarily on legumes such as broom (Cytisus scoparius) and gorse (Ulex europaeus). Carrion-feeding has been observed, with records of feeding on dead animals. Extra-phytophagous feeding on and bird droppings is a documented in the Alydidae and has been observed in Alydus .

Life Cycle

Incompletely understood. In Alydus calcaratus, overwinter and a new appears in July. Nymphs may develop in association with nests.

Behavior

Nymphs are convincing mimics and may develop in association with ant nests. are frequently observed feeding on and carrion alongside butterflies and other insects. The orange-red exposed in in some contributes to resemblance to spider-hunting wasps, possibly serving as protective mimicry.

Similar Taxa

MegalotomusAlso in Alydidae; Megalotomus quinquespinosus (Lupine Bug) is larger and brown, distinguished from Alydus by size and coloration when observed together at sources.
Merocoris Coreidae; superficially similar small size but distinguished by club-shaped (incrassate) hind and curved hind tibiae rather than the broad characteristic of Alydus.