Thyreocoridae

Amyot & Audinet-Serville, 1843

negro bugs, ebony bugs

Genus Guides

3

is a of shield bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) commonly known as negro bugs or ebony bugs. The family has undergone taxonomic revision, with some classifications treating it as a (Thyreocorinae) within Cydnidae or Corimelaenidae. Members are characterized by their dark coloration and compact, shield-like body form. The family includes approximately 12 , with documented distributed across the Americas and other regions.

Corimelaena marginella by (c) Zakqary Roy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zakqary Roy. Used under a CC-BY license.Cydnoides by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.Cydnoides by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thyreocoridae: //ˈθaɪəroʊˌkɔːrɪdiː//

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

Images

Distribution

has a broad distribution including the Americas and Europe. Specific distribution records include: Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Roraima), Guatemala, and southern New Mexico in North America. European records exist from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The Alkindus is neotropical in distribution.

Host Associations

  • Leucophyllum frutescens - plantOnly plant observed for Corimelaena incognita; feed on dried fruits from previous year, then on current year's fruit
  • Galium concinnum - plantDocumented plant for Corimelaena harti in Ohio (Rubiaceae)
  • Daucus carota - plantWild carrot; for Corimelaena lateralis lateralis

Life Cycle

Corimelaena incognita is with five nymphal stadia. averages 8.33 days at 25°C. Nymphal stadia average: first 7.27 days, second 4.10 days, third 4.51 days, fourth 4.90 days, fifth 8.54 days. of Galgupha are cylindrical (0.8–0.9 mm long, 0.5–0.6 mm wide), white, with shiny translucent ; laid singly or in pairs, usually glued beneath bracts of developing fruits.

Behavior

Corimelaena incognita overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in early February. Oviposition occurs from early April through late September. are laid singly or in pairs, typically glued beneath bracts of developing fruits.

Similar Taxa

  • CydnidaeHistorically classified as within Cydnidae; indicates Cydnidae is the nearest group to within Pentatomoidea
  • CorimelaenidaeSome modern classifications place as Thyreocorinae within Corimelaenidae; of thyreocorids are similar to corimelaenines

More Details

Taxonomic History

The name (1843) has nomenclatural priority over Corimelaenidae (1872). Classifications by Henry & Froeschner and Rider recognized Thyreocoridae at level. Some authors have treated this group as Thyreocorinae within Cydnidae or Corimelaenidae. The Thyreocoridae in the broadest sense (including Parastrachiinae) is not uniform regarding , oviposition , and maternal care.

Immature Stages Knowledge Gap

stages are known in only 11 of . Detailed descriptions exist for Corimelaena incognita, C. obscura, and C. lateralis lateralis, plus ultrastructure for two Galgupha species.

Sources and further reading