Stenocoris tipuloides, commonly known as the neotropical rice , is a broad-headed bug in the Alydidae. The occurs in the Americas, with records from South America, Florida, and Texas. It belongs to a of true bugs associated with rice and other graminaceous crops.
Identification
As a member of Alydidae, Stenocoris tipuloides possesses the characteristic of a broad, somewhat flattened relative to body width. -level identification requires examination of genitalia and other fine morphological details; the Stenocoris can be distinguished from related alydids by features of the head structure and antennal proportions.
Distribution
South America; United States (Florida, Texas).
Host Associations
- Oryza sativa - associated with 'neotropical rice ' implies association with rice
Human Relevance
The 'neotropical rice ' suggests potential significance as a pest of rice (Oryza sativa), though specific economic impact has not been documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other Stenocoris speciescongeneric share broad-headed bug and may co-occur in rice-growing regions; require genital dissection for reliable separation
- Other Alydidae members share broad shape; Stenocoris distinguished by head proportions and antennal structure
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Cimex tipuloides by De Geer in 1773, later transferred to Stenocoris.