Shield Bugs

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acanthosomatidae: //əˌkænθoʊsoʊməˈtaɪdiː//

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Summary

Acanthosomatidae, commonly known as shield bugs or stink bugs, is a small family within Hemiptera, comprising about 200 species across 55 genera, with members predominantly found in high-latitude temperate regions. They exhibit distinct morphological characteristics, including 2-segmented tarsi and unique maternal care behavior in some species.

Physical Characteristics

Acanthosomatidae have heads that are keeled laterally, 5-segmented antennae, a strongly projecting keel on the mesosternum, and 2-segmented tarsi. The second visible abdominal sternite has an elongate spine projecting forwards. The spiracles of the second abdominal segment are concealed by the metapleura. Males have an exposed sternite VIII with a specialized genital capsule. Females may have Pendergrast's organs and sternite VII has an emarginate posterior margin.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from other pentatomoids by the number of tarsal segments (2 in Acanthosomatidae, compared to 3 in Pentatomidae). However, some pentatomids also have 2-segmented tarsi, so careful morphological examination is necessary.

Habitat

Mostly found in woody plants, typically in temperate regions or at higher elevations in the subtropics of the Old World.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan; abundant in northern transcontinental regions (Canada & northern US) and southern to South Carolina in the east, plus one species in New Mexico.

Diet

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on various trees and shrubs. Host plants include Ficus, Hakea, Carex, Juncus, Cladium, and Dactylis.

Life Cycle

Females exhibit maternal care of eggs and early instars; in some species, females guard their eggs while in others, they smear their eggs with secretions to deter predators before abandoning them.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves female care, where some species guard their young, while others also show egg-smearing behavior to protect eggs from predators and parasitoids.

Ecosystem Role

Primarily herbivores, may also engage in scavenging and some records of predation including cannibalism.

Similar Taxa

• Pentatomidae

Misconceptions

Some species of Pentatomidae may have similar morphological traits, making identification challenging without close examination of the number of tarsal segments.