Scutellerinae
Leach, 1815
jewel bugs, metallic shield bugs, shield-backed bugs
Scutellerinae is a of in the , erected by William Elford Leach in 1815. Members are characterized by an enlarged that forms a continuous shield over the and . The subfamily includes two tribes: Scutellerini and Sphaerocorini. Some are agricultural pests of small grains, while others are associated with coniferous .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scutellerinae: /skjuːˈtɛləriːnaɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from other by the greatly enlarged that completely covers the and , creating a continuous shield-like surface. This feature can cause misidentification as . Many exhibit brilliant metallic coloration. The is distinguished from other subfamilies by tribal-level characters; Scutellerini and Sphaerocorini differ in genitalic and other morphological features.
Images
Habitat
Highly variable; includes agricultural fields (small grain ), jack pine forests, and adjacent uncultivated areas. Specific depends on associations.
Distribution
Widespread; documented from Central California and Wisconsin, USA, with broader distribution implied by -level records.
Diet
; specific feeding habits vary by . Eurygaster feed on developing grains of wheat, barley, and oats. Tetyra bipunctata feeds on phloem of jack pine (Pinus banksiana).
Host Associations
- Triticum aestivum - wheat; Eurygaster
- Hordeum vulgare - barley; Eurygaster
- Avena sativa - oats; Eurygaster
- Pinus banksiana - jack pine; Tetyra bipunctata
Life Cycle
emerge in spring, mate, and oviposit on plants. develop through five . New adults appear by summer. Single per year with adults overwintering in protected locations such as leaf litter and duff beneath host trees.
Behavior
in protected locations including leaf litter and duff beneath trees. between cultivated fields and adjacent uncultivated areas observed in some . documented. Feeding on developing seeds causes shriveled grains and reduced yield in agricultural species.
Ecological Role
Agricultural pest of small grain in some regions; through direct feeding on developing kernels. Role in coniferous less documented.
Human Relevance
Economic pest status for Eurygaster in small grain agriculture. Damage to wheat, barley, and oats through feeding on developing kernels.
Similar Taxa
- Scutelleridae (other subfamilies)Other lack the tribal characteristics and of Scutellerinae; distinguished by genitalic and shield structure features.
- Coleoptera (beetles)The enlarged covering and creates superficial resemblance to ; distinguished by structure, mouthparts, and other features.