Ebony Bugs

Thyreocoridae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thyreocoridae: //ˈθaɪəroʊˌkɔːrɪdiː//

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Images

Summary

The Thyreocoridae, commonly known as ebony bugs, are a family of shield bugs characterized by their shiny black coloration and distinctive body shape. They primarily inhabit short vegetation and feed on flowers and seeds. The family comprises around 40 species and exhibits diversity across multiple genera.

Physical Characteristics

Shiny black, broad oval, convex shape; tibiae have no spines or slender ones; large scutellum covers most of abdomen and wings; 5-segmented antennae and 4-segmented beak.

Identification Tips

Look for the shiny black color and broad oval shape, combined with their characteristic antennae and beak structure.

Habitat

Short vegetation.

Diet

Feed on flowers and developing seeds.

Evolution

The family Thyreocoridae was proposed in 1843, with nomenclatural priority over the alternative name Corimelaenidae introduced in 1872.

Similar Taxa

Cydnidae

Misconceptions

Historically known as 'negro bugs', this term is now discouraged due to its outdated connotation.