Seed-bugs
Guides
Alydidae
broad-headed bugs, broad headed bugs
Alydidae, commonly known as broad-headed bugs, is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera containing at least 60 genera and approximately 300 species worldwide. Members are characterized by their notably broad heads, often similar in length and width to the pronotum and scutellum, and elongated, curved terminal antennal segments. The family is closely related to Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs) and shares many morphological features, though Alydidae generally lack the flattened hind tibiae typical of many coreids. Most species are tropical or subtropical in distribution, with relatively few species occurring in temperate regions. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly in Asia where they damage rice and legume crops.
Anochrostomus
Anochrostomus is a genus of seed bugs (family Lygaeidae) established by Slater in 1992. The genus contains at least two described species: Anochrostomus formosus, described by Blanchard in 1840, and Anochrostomus formosoides, described by Baranowski in 2005. Both species epithets suggest a connection to Formosa (Taiwan), though this may reflect type localities or morphological resemblance rather than geographic restriction. The genus is placed in the subfamily Lygaeinae within the lygaeoid group of true bugs.
Appolonius
Appolonius is a genus of seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, tribe Drymini, described by Distant in 1901. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed across the Indomalaya and Oceania biogeographic regions. Members of this genus are true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) belonging to the seed bug lineage, characterized by their association with seeds as a food source. The genus is part of the diverse lygaeoid complex within the Pentatomomorpha.
Balboa
dirt-colored seed bugs
Balboa is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, described by Distant in 1893. These true bugs are characterized by their dull, earth-toned coloration and association with plant seeds. The genus includes species such as Balboa ampliata, which has been documented in prairie and foothill habitats in Colorado.
Carpilis
dirt-colored seed bugs
Carpilis is a genus of true bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly known as dirt-colored seed bugs. The genus was established by Stål in 1874 and contains at least three described species: C. barberi, C. consimilis, and C. ferruginea. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. Like other rhyparochromids, they are ground-dwelling seed bugs with typically dull coloration.
Cligenes
Cligenes is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Distant in 1893. The genus contains at least two described species: Cligenes distinctus (Distant, 1893) and Cligenes grandis (Brambila, 2000). Members belong to the tribe Antillocorini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. The genus is rarely encountered, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Cnemodus
dirt-colored seed bugs
Cnemodus is a genus of true bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Herrich-Schaeffer in 1850. The genus comprises at least two described species: Cnemodus hirtipes (Blatchley, 1924) and Cnemodus mavortius (Say, 1831). Members of this genus are classified as dirt-colored seed bugs, a common name reflecting their typical coloration and seed-feeding habits characteristic of the family Rhyparochromidae. The genus belongs to the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae.
Cymodema
Cymodema is a genus of true bugs in the family Cymidae, established by Spinola in 1837. The genus contains seven described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus belong to the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, placing them among the seed bugs and related groups. The genus has been documented in iNaturalist with 56 observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists.
Cymoninus
Cymoninus is a genus of true bugs in the family Ninidae, established by Breddin in 1907. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Members of this genus are small, seed-feeding heteropterans within the superfamily Lygaeoidea. The family Ninidae is relatively poorly studied compared to other lygaeoid families.
Cymus
Cymus is a genus of true bugs in the family Cymidae, established by Hahn in 1833. The genus contains at least 40 described species. Cymus has been historically classified within Lygaeidae by some sources, though modern treatments place it in Cymidae. Species in this genus are found in parts of Europe, including Norway and Sweden.
Delochilocoris
dirt-colored seed bugs
Delochilocoris is a genus of seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Bergroth in 1893. The genus contains three described species: D. caliginosus, D. gracilis, and D. illuminatus. Members are classified among the 'dirt-colored seed bugs' based on their generally dull, earth-toned coloration. The genus belongs to the tribe Gonianotini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae.
Emblethis
Emblethis is a genus of seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Fieber in 1861. It comprises more than 30 described species of dirt-colored seed bugs distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Members of this genus are part of the diverse ground bug fauna associated with seed-feeding habits.
Eremocoris
dirt-colored seed bugs
Eremocoris is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae. The genus contains approximately 43-45 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning Palearctic, Oriental, Afrotropical, and Nearctic realms. Species in this genus are primarily ground-dwelling and associated with forested habitats.
Gastrodes
dirt-colored seed bugs
Gastrodes is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Westwood in 1840. The genus contains approximately 14-15 described species distributed across Europe, temperate Asia, and North America. These true bugs belong to the tribe Drymini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae.
Heterogaster
Nettle Ground Bug (for H. urticae)
Heterogaster is a genus of seed bugs in the family Heterogastridae, comprising approximately 11 species. Nine species occur in the Old World, and two in the New World. The genus includes H. urticae, commonly known as the Nettle Ground Bug. Species in this genus have been subjects of taxonomic revision to distinguish Nearctic and Palearctic representatives.
Heterogastridae
Heterogastridae is a family of seed bugs in the superfamily Lygaeoidea, comprising approximately 20–23 genera and 97–100 species. The group has been variously classified as subfamily, tribe, and subtribe, but is currently recognized at family rank. Members possess a distinctive midgut M4 region with two rows of crypts housing Caballeronia bacterial symbionts, representing a stable and specific mutualistic association. The family forms a basal lineage of Lygaeoidea alongside Pachygronthidae.
Ischnorhynchinae
Ischnorhynchinae is a subfamily of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae, comprising approximately 16 genera and more than 70 described species. Members are small, terrestrial insects characterized by translucent or transparent plate-like structures covering the thorax (pronota). The subfamily has been subject to taxonomic debate, with some authors treating it as a separate family (Ischnorhynchidae), though current consensus places it within Lygaeidae.
Lygaeidae
seed bugs, milkweed bugs, ground bugs
Lygaeidae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) commonly known as seed bugs, milkweed bugs, or ground bugs. The family currently comprises approximately 60 genera in six subfamilies, though it was formerly much larger before numerous subfamilies were elevated to independent family status. Members are distributed worldwide and exhibit diverse feeding habits, with many species feeding on seeds, some on sap or seed pods, others being omnivores, and a few being insectivores. Several genera, including Lygaeus and Oncopeltus, are well-known for their association with milkweeds and their bright aposematic coloration.
Lygaeoidea
Seed Bugs and Allies
Lygaeoidea is a large superfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) containing approximately 16 families and over 4,600 described species worldwide. Members are commonly known as seed bugs and allies. The superfamily includes economically important groups such as the big-eyed bugs (Geocoridae), which are predators used in biological control, as well as numerous seed-feeding species. The family-level classification underwent substantial revision in 1997 by Thomas J. Henry, with most families previously treated as subfamilies of Lygaeidae. The systematic position of Piesmatidae (ash-gray leaf bugs) remains somewhat uncertain, having been placed in its own superfamily in some classifications.
Melacoryphus
Melacoryphus is a genus of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae, established by Slater in 1988. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species distributed in Central and North America. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized true bugs with seed-feeding habits typical of the family. The genus was erected to accommodate species previously placed elsewhere, with Melacoryphus lateralis serving as the type species.
Melanaethus
Melanaethus is a genus of burrowing true bugs in the family Cydnidae, established by Uhler in 1876. The genus contains approximately 12–15 described species. Members are characterized by fossorial (burrowing) adaptations typical of the family. At least one species, Melanaethus crenatus, has been documented with detailed immature stages and seed-related behaviors.
Melanopleurus
Melanopleurus is a genus of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae, established by Stål in 1874. The genus comprises more than 20 described species. Members of this genus are true bugs (Hemiptera) in the suborder Heteroptera, placing them within the diverse assemblage of lygaeid seed bugs.
Myodocha
Long-necked Seed Bugs
Myodocha is a genus of true bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly known as long-necked seed bugs. The genus contains approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Members are recognized by their distinctive elongated head and pronotum, which gives them their common name. The genus was established by Latreille in 1807. At least one species, Myodocha unispinosa, has been intercepted at U.S. ports of entry on commercial produce shipments from Mexico, indicating potential for accidental introduction.
Neopamera
dirt-colored seed bugs
Neopamera is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Harrington in 1980. The genus contains approximately 16 described species. At least one species, N. bilobata, has emerged as a significant agricultural pest of strawberry crops, causing catfacing symptoms in fruits.
Ozophora
dirt-colored seed bugs
Ozophora is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, containing more than 100 described species. These true bugs are characterized by their dull coloration and association with seed feeding. The genus has been documented in the Neotropics and the Lesser Antilles, with research focusing on systematics, new species descriptions, and reproductive behavior in select species.
Ozophorini
dirt-colored seed bugs
Ozophorini is a tribe of true bugs within the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Sweet in 1967. The tribe comprises more than 30 genera and approximately 220 described species. Members are classified within the seed bug assemblage of the superfamily Lygaeoidea. The tribe has been subject to taxonomic revision, particularly for genera such as Vertomannus, and biological studies including life cycle documentation for species like Balboa variabilis.
Pachybrachius
dirt-colored seed bugs
Pachybrachius is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Hahn in 1826. The genus comprises 11 described species distributed across the Palearctic region, with records from northern Europe and Sweden. Members of this genus are part of the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. As true bugs in the order Hemiptera, they possess piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of the group.
Pachygrontha
Pachygrontha is a genus of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the family Pachygronthidae, comprising more than 30 described species. The genus is classified within the superfamily Lygaeoidea and is characterized as seed bugs and allies. One well-studied species, Pachygrontha antennata, has been documented as a generalist inhabitant of urban, forested, and agricultural environments across East Asia.
Pachygronthidae
Pachygronthidae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera) within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, superfamily Lygaeoidea. The family comprises approximately 14 genera and at least 80 described species, organized into two subfamilies: Pachygronthinae and Teracriinae. Members are seed bugs with documented occurrence across North America, Mexico, and temperate regions of East Asia including Korea, Japan, China, and Russia.
Pseudopachybrachius
dirt-colored seed bugs
Pseudopachybrachius is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Malipatil in 1978. The genus comprises eight described species distributed primarily in the New World. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia morphology and external diagnostic characters. The group includes the taxonomically challenging 'vinctus-group' of four closely related species.
Pseudopamera
dirt-colored seed bugs
Pseudopamera is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Distant in 1882. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed across the Americas. Species in this genus are small, cryptically colored true bugs associated with ground-level habitats. They belong to the tribe Myodochini, a group known for seed-feeding habits.
Rhopalidae
Scentless Plant Bugs
Rhopalidae, commonly known as scentless plant bugs, is a family of true bugs in the order Hemiptera. The family comprises approximately 30 genera and over 240 species worldwide. Members are distinguished from related coreids by the absence of well-developed scent glands, and from similar lygaeids by the numerous veins in the hemelytral membrane. Most species feed on plants, with some exhibiting host specificity on particular plant families. The family includes several species that aggregate in large numbers and occasionally enter buildings, such as boxelder bugs (Boisea spp.) and red-shouldered bugs (Jadera haematoloma).
Rhyparochromini
dirt-colored seed bugs
Rhyparochromini is a tribe of dirt-colored seed bugs within the family Rhyparochromidae, representing the most diverse tribe in its family with over 40 genera and 360 described species. Members are characterized cytogenetically by the presence of a pair of microchromosomes (m-chromosomes) and an XY/XX sex chromosome system. The tribe exhibits highest diversity in the Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Oriental biogeographic regions.
Scolopostethus
dirt-colored seed bugs
Scolopostethus is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs comprising more than 30 described species in the family Rhyparochromidae. Species occupy diverse habitats including ruderal areas, weedy lawns, and ant-associated environments. Some species are myrmecophilous, living near ant nests through chemical defense strategies rather than chemical mimicry. The genus has a Palearctic origin with at least one species, S. affinis, recently established in North America.
Slaterobius
dirt-colored seed bugs
Slaterobius is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Harrington in 1980. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. Like other rhyparochromids, species in this genus are ground-dwelling true bugs.
Stygnocoris
dirt-colored seed bugs
Stygnocoris is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Douglas & Scott in 1865. The genus contains approximately 15 described species. Members are classified within the tribe Stygnocorini. Taxonomic revisions have clarified species boundaries and synonymies, particularly for species occurring in Russia and adjacent countries.
Tempyra
Tempyra is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae. The genus was established by Stål in 1874 and contains at least two described species: Tempyra biguttula and Tempyra testacea. These true bugs belong to the superfamily Lygaeoidea and tribe Udeocorini.
Togodolentus
Togodolentus is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, tribe Drymini. It was established by Barber in 1918. Species in this genus are small, ground-dwelling true bugs with cryptic coloration. The genus is part of the lygaeoid radiation of seed-feeding heteropterans.
Trapezonotus
dirt-colored seed bugs
Trapezonotus is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Fieber in 1861. The genus comprises approximately 19-20 described species distributed primarily across Europe and parts of Asia. Taxonomic revision has clarified subspecies boundaries in some members, notably Trapezonotus dispar, which is divided into European and Caucasian-Asian Minor subspecies. The genus is part of the diverse lygaeoid assemblage of true bugs.
Xyonysius
false chinch bugs
Xyonysius is a genus of seed bugs in the family Lygaeidae, established by Ashlock & Lattin in 1963. The genus contains approximately eight to ten described species distributed primarily in the Americas. The most well-known member is Xyonysius californicus, commonly called the California false chinch bug, which is recognized as an agricultural pest. Species in this genus are small, elongate-oval true bugs with characteristic lygaeid morphology.
Zeridoneus
dirt-colored seed bugs
Zeridoneus is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, established by Barber in 1918. The genus contains three described species: Z. costalis, Z. knulli, and Z. petersoni. These true bugs belong to the tribe Myodochini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae.