Shield-backed Bugs
Scutelleridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
- Superfamily: Pentatomoidea
- Family: Scutelleridae
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.
Images
Summary
Scutelleridae, commonly known as jewel bugs or metallic shield bugs, comprise a family of true bugs known for their brilliant colors and distinctive shield-like morphology. They primarily feed on plant juices and are characterized by their incomplete metamorphosis, elaborated mating behaviors, and some species being known agricultural pests.
Physical Characteristics
Small to medium-sized oval-shaped bugs, averaging 5 to 20 mm in length. They are distinguished by a shield-like enlarged thoracic scutellum that covers the abdomen and wings.
Identification Tips
Jewel bugs are characterized by their brilliant coloration and the continuous shield-like scutellum that covers the abdomen, distinguishing them from most other true bugs and being misidentified as beetles.
Habitat
Most diverse in tropical and subtropical climates; found in various wet or dry habitats including fields, shrubby areas, and wood edges from spring through fall.
Distribution
Found worldwide with around 450 species; all four New World subfamilies are represented in North America, including the Arctic.
Diet
Phytophagous; jewel bugs feed on plant juices from various species, including some commercial crops.
Life Cycle
Jewel bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetaboly), developing through several nymphal instars; they do not have a larval or pupal stage.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid in compact clusters, are white or cream colored, and have unique structures for fertilization and gas exchange; chemical secretions attract mates.
Ecosystem Role
As primary consumers, they feed on plant material and can have roles in various ecosystems depending on their interactions with plants and other organisms.
Economic Impact
Some members, particularly Eurygaster integriceps, are major pests of cereal crops and are known as 'sunn pests.'
Collecting Methods
- Sweep netting
- Hand collecting
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol
- Pinning in collection boxes
Evolution
Scutellerids were first described by William Elford Leach in 1815. They were classified as a subfamily of Pentatomidae until the early 20th century when they were restored to family status. They are considered a sister group to Acanthosomatidae based on phylogenetic studies.
Similar Taxa
- Pentatomidae
- Acanthosomatidae
- Plataspididae
- Parastrachiidae
Misconceptions
Jewel bugs are often mistaken for beetles due to their appearance, specifically the enlarged scutellum, though they are true bugs (hemipterans).
Tags
- Insects
- Entomology
- Bugs
- Insecta
- Hemiptera
- Scutelleridae