Jadera coturnix
(Burmeister, 1835)
Jadera coturnix is a soapberry bug in the Rhopalidae, distributed across North America, Central America, and South America. The belongs to the Jadera, which is specialized on seeds of plants in the family Sapindaceae. Two are recognized: Jadera coturnix coturnix and Jadera coturnix rufoculis. Like other soapberry bugs, it has evolved specialized feeding adaptations for exploiting seeds within tough fruit capsules.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Jadera coturnix: /dʒəˈdɛɹə koʊˈtɜːrnɪks/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Jadera coturnix can be distinguished from the similar Jadera haematoloma (red-shouldered bug) by subtle structural characters rather than coloration alone. Both are primarily black with red markings, but precise identification requires examination of morphological features such as body proportions and genitalia. The species is also similar to boxelder bugs (Boisea spp.) and various Lygaeidae seed bugs, necessitating careful examination to separate these .
Images
Distribution
North America, Central America, and South America. Specific country-level records are not well documented in available sources.
Diet
Seeds of plants in the Sapindaceae (soapberry family), based on the well-documented feeding of the Jadera.
Host Associations
- Sapindaceae - food plant-level association; specific host plants for J. coturnix not documented in available sources
Similar Taxa
- Jadera haematolomaOverlapping distribution and similar appearance as black soapberry bugs with red markings; requires structural examination for reliable separation
- Boisea trivittataEastern boxelder bug shares black-and-red color pattern and Rhopalidae, often confused with Jadera
- Boisea rubrolineataWestern boxelder bug similar in coloration and , requiring morphological examination to distinguish
More Details
Subspecies
Two are recognized: Jadera coturnix coturnix (Burmeister, 1835) and Jadera coturnix rufoculis (Kirby, 1890)
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- Forget the Soaps: Let's Talk Soapberry Bugs! | Bug Squad
- Big Bioblitz Set April 29 at UC Davis: Plants, Animals and More | Bug Squad
- The Nationals aren’t the only ones wearing red at Navy Yard: Get ready for red-shouldered bugs, Jadera haematoloma — Bug of the Week
- Bug Eric: Red-shouldered Bug
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