Predatory Stink Bugs

Asopinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Asopinae: /əˈsoʊpɪnaɪ/

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

Images

Biologia Centrali-Americana - Oplomus dichrous 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.
Biologia Centrali-Americana - Oplomus mundus 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.
Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Florida predatory stink bug) by Brennan Peabody. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Florida Predatory Stink Bug - Euthyrhynchus floridanus (48104025776) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Perillusbioculatus5 by Ioan Alexandru Rădac and Maximilian Teodorescu. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Euthyrhynchus floridanus 3 by Brennan Peabody. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Asopinae are a subfamily of predatory stink bugs that serve as biological control agents against other insect pests.

Physical Characteristics

Easily recognized by the free first segment of the rostrum; rostrum enlarged with very little fitting between bucculae.

Identification Tips

In identifying asopines, being color blind provides an advantage.

Habitat

Worldwide and throughout North America.

Distribution

Approximately 35 species in 16 genera in our area, ~300 species in 66 genera worldwide.

Diet

Predatory, feeding on other insects, primarily slow-moving soft-bodied insects, especially larvae; generally considered generalist predators.

Ecosystem Role

Useful as biological control agents against insect pests; some species are commercially available for pest management.

Economic Impact

Some species are utilized in Integrated Pest Management.

Misconceptions

All stink bugs are herbivorous, but Asopinae are primarily predatory.

Tags

  • Asopinae
  • Predatory Stink Bugs
  • Biological Control
  • Pentatomidae
  • Entomology