Jewel-bugs
Guides
Scutellerinae
jewel bugs, metallic shield bugs, shield-backed bugs
Scutellerinae is a subfamily of shield-backed bugs in the family Scutelleridae, erected by William Elford Leach in 1815. Members are characterized by an enlarged scutellum that forms a continuous shield over the abdomen and wings. The subfamily includes two tribes: Scutellerini and Sphaerocorini. Some species are agricultural pests of small grains, while others are associated with coniferous hosts.