Cactus Coreid

Chelinidea vittiger

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily: Coreoidea
Family: Coreidae
Subfamily: Coreinae
Tribe: Chelinideini
Genus: Chelinidea
Species: vittiger

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chelinidea vittiger: /kɛˌlɪnɪˈdɛə ˈvɪtɪdʒər/

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

Images

Cactus Coreid Adult - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cactus Coreid Nymph - Flickr - treegrow (3) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cactus Coreid Nymph - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cactus Coreid Nymph - Flickr - treegrow (2) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cactus Coreid Nymph - Flickr - treegrow (1) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cactus Coreid - Chelinidea vittiger, Archbold Biological Station, Venus, Florida by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Chelinidea vittiger, commonly known as the cactus coreid, is a species of leaf-footed bug associated mainly with prickly pear cacti. It is characterized by its size, physical features, and long lifespan. The species plays a part in the ecosystem through its interactions with its host plants.

Physical Characteristics

Adults measure 12-15 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Look for the leaf-like extensions on the hind legs, which are characteristic of leaf-footed bugs.

Habitat

Primarily associated with prickly pear cacti, Opuntia spp.

Distribution

Found from Quebec and Virginia to Saskatchewan, Alberta, Oregon, California, and Mexico.

Diet

Feeds on the sap of prickly pear cacti.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid in March, with a nymphal development period that varies considerably; adults can live for 9-12 months.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid longitudinally on the underside of prickly pear spines; the egg-laying period extends over 2-3 months for each generation.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in the ecology of prickly pear cacti, potentially as a bio-control agent for invasive species.

Collecting Methods

Hand collecting from host plants
Netting during active periods

Preservation Methods

Pinning specimens in entomology drawers
Alcohol preservation for liquid collections

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Commonly confused with other leaf-footed bugs and squash bugs, which are different species but occupy similar habitats.