Oncopeltus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily: Lygaeoidea
Family: Lygaeidae
Subfamily: Lygaeinae
Genus: Oncopeltus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oncopeltus: /ˈɒŋkəˌpɛltəs/

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

Images

Oncopeltus fasciatus P1350138a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Six-spotted milkweed bug by cricketsblog. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Biologia Centrali-Americana (8272535292) by Bale & Danielsson; Bannwarth, Th.; Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company; Godman, Frederick Du Cane; Hanhart; Horman-Fisher, Maud; Knight, H.; Mintern Bros.; Purkiss, W.; Salvin, Osbert; Saunders, G. S.; Schlereth, M. v.; Sharp, M. A.; Taylor & Francis; Wilson, Edwin. Used under a Public domain license.

Six-spotted milkweed bug (cropped) by cricketsblog. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Biologia Centrali-Americana - Oncopeltus sexmaculatus by Bale & Danielsson; Bannwarth, Th.; Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company; Godman, Frederick Du Cane; Hanhart; Horman-Fisher, Maud; Knight, H.; Mintern Bros.; Purkiss, W.; Salvin, Osbert; Saunders, G. S.; Schlereth, M. v.; Sharp, M. A.; Taylor & Francis; Wilson, Edwin. Used under a Public domain license.

Oncopeltus guttaloides nymphs by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Oncopeltus is a genus of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae, characterized by its feeding on milkweeds and a distinct life cycle that includes a communal nymphal stage.

Physical Characteristics

Size ranges from 8-16 mm. They are primarily seed bugs characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive coloration.

Identification Tips

Oncopeltus species can be identified by their feeding behavior on milkweeds and their size range. Use characteristics such as body shape and coloration to distinguish them from similar taxa.

Habitat

Generally found in pantropical regions, with a higher diversity in the deep southern United States.

Distribution

Primarily reported in the New World, with at least 19 species occurring there and a range extending to the US and Canada for specific species like Oncopeltus fasciatus.

Diet

Primarily feed on milkweed species. They possess specialized salivary glands to counteract plant defenses against herbivory.

Life Cycle

Involves a molting process induced by prolonged feeding, leading to abdomen stretching which signals the need to molt.

Ecosystem Role

As herbivores, they play a role in the control of milkweed populations and serve as prey for various predators.