Scutelleridae

Leach, 1815

Jewel Bugs, Metallic Shield Bugs, Shield-backed Bugs

Subfamily Guides

is a of true bugs in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as jewel bugs or . Members are distinguished by a greatly enlarged scutellum that forms a continuous shield over the and wings, often displaying brilliant metallic or iridescent coloration. This family includes approximately 81 and over 450 distributed worldwide, with notable genera including Eurygaster, Scutellera, and Solenosthedium. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly of cereal crops.

Stethaulax marmorata by (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Acantholomidea by (c) Konstantin Grebennikov, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Konstantin Grebennikov. Used under a CC-BY license.

Acantholomidea by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scutelleridae: /skuːˈtɛlɛrɪˌdiː/

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

Identification

The most diagnostic feature is the greatly enlarged scutellum that completely covers the and wings, creating a continuous shield-like appearance. This contrasts with the smaller triangular scutellum typical of related such as Pentatomidae (stink bugs). Many exhibit brilliant metallic coloration—green, blue, purple, or —that can aid in identification. The body is typically broad and rounded, superficially resembling beetles (Coleoptera), which can lead to misidentification. are 5-segmented. The scutellar shield distinguishes from the superficially similar , which possess an expanded scutellum with a broad-based spine or hump rather than a flat continuous shield.

Images

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. In Russia, seven are recorded including Eurygaster with six . The genus Solenosthedium has a holomediterranean distribution spanning Africa, Asia, and southern Europe, with records from Corsica representing the first French occurrence. GBIF distribution records include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Vermont).

Diet

Phytophagous; feeds on plant sap. Specific plants vary by .

Host Associations

wheat - pestEurygaster integriceps is the most important pest of wheat in Russia
pistachio trees (Pistacia) - pestSolenosthedium bilunatum causes damage to pistachio trees in Sicily
cereal crops - pestEurygaster spp. are significant pests of cereal in Turkey and surrounding regions
soybean - potential Cyrtocoris egeris ( , related to ) recorded on soybean; Scutelleridae may occur in similar agroecosystems

Behavior

Some can occasionally proliferate in certain years, leading to localized . have been observed in some species.

Ecological Role

Herbivores that can reach pest status in agricultural systems. Serve as for including parasitoids (Scelionidae: Trissolcus semistriatus, T. grandis) and parasitoids (Tachinidae: Elomya lateralis, Ectophasia oblonga, Phasia subcoleopterata). The Pachycorinae possesses stridulatory structures (abdominal sternal stridulitrum and tibial plectrum) that produce sound, with two main patterns of stridulitrum identified across 26 .

Human Relevance

Several are significant agricultural pests. Eurygaster integriceps is the most important pest of wheat in Russia. Eurygaster maura and related species damage cereal crops in Turkey, with parasitization rates by natural enemies varying geographically (1.2-8.73% across provinces). Solenosthedium bilunatum causes damage to pistachio trees in Sicily. The brilliant metallic coloration of many species makes them popular subjects for macrophotography and natural history observation.

Similar Taxa

PentatomidaeStink bugs share the superfamily Pentatomoidea and general body plan, but possess a small triangular scutellum that does not cover the or wings, unlike the enlarged shield-like scutellum of .
CyrtocoridaeAlso has expanded scutellum, but differs in having a broad-based spine or hump on the scutellum rather than a flat continuous shield, plus flattened -like setae and distinctive projections.
Coleoptera (beetles)The continuous scutellar shield covering the creates a -like appearance, but lack the hardened forewings () of beetles and possess with membranous apices typical of Hemiptera.

More Details

Taxonomic relationships

is placed in the superfamily Pentatomoidea. The , sometimes confused with Scutelleridae, may actually be more closely related to Cydnidae (burrowing bugs) according to hemipterist Carl Schaefer, despite superficial resemblance to both Pentatomidae and Scutelleridae.

Stridulatory structures

The Pachycorinae possesses sound-producing structures: a stridulitrum on abdominal sternites V-VI and a plectrum on the hind tibiae. Two patterns of stridulitrum occur: smooth carinae (24 ) and coarse carinae with small teeth (3 genera). Two tibial plectrum patterns are recognized: rounded (conspicuous in 3 genera, inconspicuous in 23) and flat tubercles (2 genera). These structures have taxonomic significance within the subfamily.

Identification challenges

-level identification within Eurygaster remains challenging, particularly among the closely related E. integriceps, E. maura, and E. testudinaria, often leading to errors in identification with consequences for plant protection services.