Scentless Plant Bugs
Rhopalidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
- Superfamily: Coreoidea
- Family: Rhopalidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhopalidae: //roʊˈpælɪˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Rhopalidae, or scentless plant bugs, are a family of true bugs characterized by their lack of scent glands and small size compared to coreids. They are predominantly herbivorous and are found in various habitats around the world.
Physical Characteristics
Usually light-colored and smaller than coreids, lacking well-developed scent glands.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from related coreids by the absence of scent glands and the numerous veins in the membrane of the hemelytra.
Habitat
Principal habitats include weeds, with some species being arboreal.
Distribution
Much of the world, including areas in North America.
Diet
All are plant feeders; they primarily feed on seeds of herbaceous plants.
Ecosystem Role
They play a role in plant ecosystems as herbivores, feeding on seeds and leaves.
Economic Impact
Not considered economically important; only a few species are pests of ornamental trees.
Evolution
Oldest fossil rhopalids are from the Middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia, from the Haifanggou Formation.
Similar Taxa
- Coreidae
- Orsilline lygaeids
Misconceptions
Sometimes confused with coreids due to similar morphology.
Tags
- Rhopalidae
- Scentless Plant Bugs
- Insects
- Hemiptera
- True Bugs