Cyptocephala

Berg, 1883

Species Guides

Cyptocephala antiguensis(Antigua Stink Bug)
Cyptocephala elegans(Elegant Coastal Stink Bug)

Cyptocephala is a of shield bugs ( Pentatomidae) in the tribe Pentatomini, described by Carlos Berg in 1883. The genus remained for over a century until taxonomic revisions in 1984 transferred several from the genus Thyanta. It currently comprises six known species distributed from North to South America. One species, C. alvarengai, has been documented as a pest of rice.

Cyptocephala elegans by (c) Alexis Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Smith. Used under a CC-BY license.

Cyptocephala antiguensis by (c) Pablo F. Domínguez, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Pablo F. Domínguez. Used under a CC-BY license.

Cyptocephala antiguensis (Westwood, 1837) 2429397711 by iNaturalist.org (Sam Kieschnick) (Sam%20Kieschnick). Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyptocephala: /ˌsɪptoʊˈsɛfələ/

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

Identification

Small, uncommon pentatomids. The was established for previously assigned to Thyanta, from which they were distinguished based on morphological characters. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing Cyptocephala from related genera require examination of genitalia and other structural details.

Images

Habitat

At least one (C. alvarengai) has been observed in rice fields. Broader preferences for the remain poorly documented.

Distribution

United States of America, Mexico, and South America.

Ecological Role

One (C. alvarengai) has been observed feeding on rice panicles and may act as a crop pest. The ecological roles of other species in the are undocumented.

Human Relevance

C. alvarengai has been reported as a pest of rice (Oryza sativa). No other human interactions are documented.

Similar Taxa

ThyantaFour Cyptocephala were transferred from Thyanta in 1984 based on revised morphological assessment. These share historical taxonomic confusion and require careful examination to distinguish.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was established by Carlos Berg in 1883 for Cyptocephala cogitabunda. It remained until 1984, when Rolston and McDonald transferred four from Thyanta: Pentatoma antiguensis, Thyanta bimini, Thyanta elegans, and Thyanta (Parathyanta) elegantula. The latter was subsequently synonymized with C. cogitabunda. Two additional species were described later, bringing the total to six.