Hawaiian-endemic-radiation
Guides
Nysius
false chinch bugs
Nysius is a large genus of seed-feeding true bugs in the family Lygaeidae, commonly known as false chinch bugs. The genus contains approximately 100-106 described species with worldwide distribution. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including N. huttoni (wheat bug) in New Zealand and N. cymoides in Europe and Turkey. A unique Hawaiian radiation contains 26 species, including two flightless, predatory wēkiu bugs (N. wekiuicola and N. aa) that feed on dead and dying insects on high-elevation volcanoes. Most species feed on seeds and plant fluids, though some exhibit atypical feeding behaviors.