Pentatomini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily: Pentatomoidea
Family: Pentatomidae
Subfamily: Pentatominae
Tribe: Pentatomini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pentatomini: //ˌpɛn.təˈtɒ.mɪ.naɪ//

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

Images

Pellaea stictica imported from iNaturalist photo 32794335 on 28 March 2024 by (c) Gustavo Masuzzo, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Thyanta custator custator01 by Herb Pilcher, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Banasa herbacea 55320756 by Arturo Santos. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pellaea stictica by Manuel Ortiz. Used under a CC0 license.

Red-shouldered Stink Bug - Thyanta custator, Julie Metz Wetlands, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Banasa euchlora01 by Louis Tedders, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Pentatomini is a tribe of shield bugs characterized by a general shield-like shape and the presence of a spine or tubercle on the abdomen. This tribe contains approximately 30 species locally and around 300 worldwide, although its classification may be tentative due to overlapping characteristics with other tribes.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the tribe Pentatomini typically have a shield-like shape, often with a spine or tubercle at the base of the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Look for the presence of spines or tubercles on the abdomen, though these features can also be found in other tribes such as Menidini and Nezarini.

Habitat

Pentatomini are found in a variety of habitats, typically in agricultural or garden settings where they can feed on plants.

Distribution

Approximately 30 species in 5 genera are found in our area, while there are around 300 species in about 60 genera worldwide.

Diet

Pentatomini are primarily herbivorous, feeding on plant sap, but some may also be predators of other insects.

Life Cycle

Information on the exact life cycle can vary among species; typically includes egg, nymph, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs via eggs laid on host plants; exact reproductive strategies may vary by genus.

Predators

Common predators of shield bugs include birds and various insectivorous insects.

Ecosystem Role

Pentatomini play a role in plant health and pest control, with some species being agricultural pests.

Economic Impact

Some members of the Pentatomini tribe can be significant agricultural pests, affecting crop yields.

Evolution

The taxonomy of Pentatomini is complex and still under study; the classification has evolved as genera are reassessed.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Because of the difficulty in defining the tribe, there may be misconceptions about which genera properly belong to Pentatomini.