Shield-bugs
Guides
Acanthosomatidae
Shield Bugs
Acanthosomatidae is a family of shield bugs within Pentatomoidea comprising approximately 200 species in 55 genera across three subfamilies (Acanthosomatinae, Blaudusinae, Ditomotarsinae). The family is notable for its distinctive reproductive biology, with females exhibiting either maternal care (egg-nymph guarding) or egg smearing using secretions from Pendergrast's organs. Maternal care has evolved independently at least three times within the subfamily Acanthosomatinae and is correlated with reduction or loss of Pendergrast's organs, suggesting an evolutionary trade-off between these strategies.
Agonoscelidini
Agonoscelidini is a monotypic tribe of shield bugs (family Pentatomidae) containing the single genus Agonoscelis. Members are native to the Afrotropics and Australia, with at least one species introduced to the New World. Some species are recognized as agricultural pests.
Edessinae
Edessinae is a subfamily of shield bugs (Pentatomidae) comprising approximately 10 genera and over 200 species, primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological features of the male and female genitalia, including modified pygophores, gonocoxites, and internal reproductive structures. Recent taxonomic revisions have elevated several former subgenera of Edessa (Hypoxys, Pygoda) to genus level and established new genera including Grammedessa, Plagaedessa, Paraedessa, Odara, and Apheledessa. Species identification relies heavily on genitalic morphology due to frequent convergence in external body form.
Holcostethus
Holcostethus is a genus of shield bugs in the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Pentatominae. The genus comprises 18 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus share the characteristic shield-shaped body form typical of the family. Like other pentatomids, they possess scent glands that produce a defensive odor.
Ixapiini
Ixapiini is a small tribe of shield bugs within the family Acanthosomatidae, comprising the single genus Ixapion. These insects are characterized by their distinctive body shape and are primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. The group represents one of the more specialized lineages within the Acanthosomatidae, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Loxa
Loxa is a genus of shield bugs in the family Pentatomidae, tribe Pentatomini. Species in this genus are distributed primarily in Central America and Mexico, with records extending into Texas, Florida, and South America. Some species, particularly Loxa deducta, are recognized as minor crop pests. The genus shares morphological similarities with Chlorocorini genera including Chlorocoris, Chloropepla, Mayrinia, and Fecelia.
Plataspidae
shield bugs, kudzu bugs, plataspid bugs
Plataspidae is a family of shield bugs in the suborder Heteroptera, native to the Old World and primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Members are characterized by a greatly enlarged scutellum that covers most or all of the abdomen and wings. The family includes the economically significant pest Megacopta cribraria (kudzu bug), which was introduced to North America in 2009 and has become a major pest of soybean in the southeastern United States. Most species feed on plants, particularly legumes, though some exhibit broader host ranges.
Podopinae
Turtle Bugs
Podopinae, commonly known as turtle bugs, is a subfamily within the stink bug family Pentatomidae. Members are characterized by their distinctive rounded, often shield-like body form that resembles a turtle shell. The subfamily includes approximately six tribes and numerous genera distributed across multiple continents. Some species have documented associations with specific host plants, including Vitex (Lamiaceae).
Zicrona
Blue Bug (Z. caerulea)
Zicrona is a small genus of shield bugs (Pentatomidae: Asopinae) established by Amyot and Serville in 1843. The genus name derives from the Hebrew word זכרון (zicron), meaning "odorant." Four species are currently recognized, with Z. caerulea (Linnaeus, 1758) being the most widely distributed and commonly encountered. The genus is placed in the predatory subfamily Asopinae, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented.