Largus maculatus

Schmidt, 1931

Mexican Bordered Plant Bug

Largus maculatus is a bordered plant bug in the Largidae, commonly known as the Mexican Bordered Plant Bug. It is found in Central America and North America. The belongs to a whose members are often mistaken for stink bugs (Pentatomidae) or leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae) due to similar body shapes and color patterns. Nymphs of related Largus species display distinctive metallic blue coloration with a red spot, while typically show black bodies with orange or red marginal markings.

Largus maculatus by (c) Roger Rittmaster, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roger Rittmaster. Used under a CC-BY license.

Largus maculatus adult by Jgw-atx. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Largus maculatus by Juan Cruzado Cortés. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Largus maculatus: /ˈlar.ɡʊs ˌma.kʊˈlaː.tʊs/

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

Identification

are distinguished from similar true bugs by the combination of a somewhat elongated body, black ground color with orange or red markings along the margins, and the absence of the expanded hind tibiae characteristic of leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae). They differ from stink bugs (Pentatomidae) in having a less shield-shaped body and different antennal structure. Nymphs, if following the pattern of , would be metallic blue with a central red spot on the dorsum. -level identification within Largus is complicated by extensive color and historical descriptions based on pattern variation rather than structural characters.

Images

Distribution

Central America and North America. GBIF records indicate presence in Middle America, North America, and South America, though primary documentation supports Central and North America.

Similar Taxa

Largus succinctusEastern North American with similar black-and-orange coloration; L. succinctus is the only eastern north of Florida and overlaps in general appearance
Largus californicusWestern North American with similar and nymphal coloration (metallic blue with red spot); geographic separation is the primary distinguishing feature
Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs)Similar body shape and herbivorous habits, but distinguished by expanded hind tibiae in many and different antennal segmentation
Pentatomidae (stink bugs)Often confused due to general '' appearance, but distinguished by shield-shaped body and different scutellum structure