Pachycorinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Pentatomomorpha
Superfamily: Pentatomoidea
Family: Scutelleridae
Subfamily: Pachycorinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pachycorinae: /ˈpækɪkɔːˌraɪniː/

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

Images

Orsilochides scurrilis 9331093 by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Tetyra bipunctata02 by R. Scott Cameron, International Paper, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Orsilochides guttata 49024479 by Jana Miller. Used under a CC0 license.

Orsilochides scurrilis 45016024 by luispauperrimo. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Tetyra bipunctata03 by USDA Forest Service - Region 8 Archive, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org. Used under a Public domain license.

Orsilochides guttata 49397280 by Jana Miller. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Pachycorinae is a subfamily of jewel bugs known for their distinctive shield-backed morphology and phytophagous lifestyle. They exhibit a variety of colors due to structural coloration and can be significant agricultural pests in certain regions.

Physical Characteristics

Jewel bugs are small to medium-sized oval-shaped insects, with body lengths averaging 5 to 20 mm. They are characterized by a shield-like enlarged scutellum that covers the abdomen and wings, and triangular heads with antennae having three to five segments.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from stink bugs by the scutellum which completely covers the abdomen and wings. They have four membranous wings underneath the scutellum rather than two like beetles, and possess a segmented rostrum for feeding.

Habitat

Primarily found in tropical regions of the New World; often associated with plant vegetation due to their phytophagous nature.

Distribution

New World, primarily tropical regions; over 20 species in 10 genera are present in certain regions, with approximately 110 described species in total.

Diet

Phytophagous, feeding on plant juices from a variety of plant species including some commercial crops.

Life Cycle

Undergo incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetaboly) with adults developing from several nymphal stages (typically five) through successive moltings. Eggs are laid in compact clusters.

Reproduction

Certain species utilize chemical secretions from exocrine glands for mate attraction; males may have unique gland structures to release sex pheromones. Females store sperm in a spermatheca.

Ecosystem Role

Jewel bugs play a role in the ecosystem as herbivores, affecting plant health and having implications on plant-feeding relationships.

Economic Impact

Some species are considered agricultural pests, particularly Eurygaster integriceps, which damages cereal crops and Tectocoris diophthalmus, which affects cotton and hibiscus.

Evolution

Originally described as a subfamily of Pentatomidae, Scutelleridae has been established as a valid family group. Phylogenetic studies support its monophyly, indicating evolutionary relationships with related families within Pentatomoidea.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often misidentified as beetles due to their shield-like scutellum; unlike beetles, jewel bugs are hemipterans and have different wing structures.