Two-spotted Stink Bug

Perillus bioculatus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily: Pentatomoidea
Family: Pentatomidae
Subfamily: Asopinae
Genus: Perillus
Species: bioculatus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Perillus bioculatus: //pɛˈrɪləs baɪˌɒkjʊˈleɪtəs//

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

Images

Perillus bioculatus ps1 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Perillus bioculatus02 by Louis Tedders, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Perillusbioculatus5 by Ioan Alexandru Rădac and Maximilian Teodorescu. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Perillus bioculatus 63059028 by Dan MacNeal. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Perillusbioculatus4 by Ioan Alexandru Rădac and Maximilian Teodorescu. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Perillusbioculatus2 by Ioan Alexandru Rădac and Maximilian Teodorescu. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Perillus bioculatus, also known as the two-spotted stink bug or double-eyed soldier bug, is a specialized predator primarily targeting Colorado potato beetles. Native to North America, this species has expanded its range into Eastern Europe and North India and plays a crucial role in controlling pest populations in agricultural settings.

Physical Characteristics

8.5-11.5 mm in length; bold distinctive pattern that varies in color, influenced by carotenoid pigments from prey.

Identification Tips

The red color of individuals is derived from carotenoid pigments obtained from the Colorado potato beetle on which they feed; the pattern is distinctive but variable.

Habitat

Found primarily in agricultural fields where Colorado potato beetles are present.

Distribution

Across southern Canada and the United States to Mexico; recently introduced to Greece and Turkey; originally a western species that spread eastwards following its principal prey.

Diet

Primarily preys on Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) and other chrysomelids; also feeds on caterpillars.

Life Cycle

Includes both larval and adult stages specialized in preying on the eggs and larvae of the Colorado potato beetle; first instar larvae suck juices from potato stems.

Ecosystem Role

Predator in agricultural ecosystems, particularly targeting pest insects like Colorado potato beetles.

Economic Impact

Significant biological control agent for the Colorado potato beetle, impacting pest populations positively for crop yields.

Similar Taxa

Perillus circumcinctus