Stilt-bugs
Guides
Berytidae
stilt bugs, thread bugs
Berytidae, commonly known as stilt bugs or thread bugs, is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) characterized by exceptionally long, slender legs and elongated bodies. The family contains approximately 200 species worldwide, classified into three subfamilies: Berytinae, Gampsocorinae, and Metacanthinae. Members range from 3-10 mm in length and display coloration from brown to yellow. While most species are phytophagous, feeding on plant sap, some exhibit predatory behavior on small insects. Several species are economically significant as pests of cultivated crops, particularly tomatoes and tobacco, where feeding damage can cause flower abortion, fruit distortion, and unsalable produce.
Gampsocorinae
stilt bugs
Gampsocorinae is a subfamily of stilt bugs (family Berytidae) established by Southwood & Leston in 1959. It contains approximately 60 described species distributed across two tribes: Gampsocorini and Hoplinini. Members are characterized by their elongated, slender legs that give the group its common name. The subfamily has been documented in multiple global databases including ITIS, Catalogue of Life, and GBIF.
Gampsocoris
stilt bugs
Gampsocoris is the type genus of the subfamily Gampsocorinae and tribe Gampsocorini within the stilt bug family Berytidae. Species in this genus are predominantly recorded from Europe and Africa. In Poland, at least two species occur: G. punctipes and G. culicinus, with the latter having a limited distribution suggesting recent immigration. The genus comprises approximately 15 described species.
Pronotacantha
Pronotacantha is a genus of stilt bugs in the family Berytidae, established by Uhler in 1893. The genus contains seven described species distributed across North America. Members of this genus are characterized by elongated legs and slender bodies typical of stilt bugs. Several species were described by Henry in 1997, indicating relatively recent taxonomic refinement.