Stink-bugs
Guides
Carpocorini
Carpocorini is a large tribe of stink bugs within Pentatomidae, containing over 100 genera and more than 500 valid species distributed worldwide. The tribe has been subject to extensive phylogenetic revision, including the reclassification of the historically problematic genus Euschistus Dallas, which was found to be non-monophyletic and subsequently split into multiple genera. Members of this tribe exhibit considerable morphological diversity, with some genera containing notably large species. The tribe includes several economically significant species that are pests of agricultural crops, particularly rice.
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.
Nomotettix cristatus
crested pygmy grasshopper, crested grouse locust, northern crested grouse locust
Nomotettix cristatus is a small pygmy grasshopper in the family Tetrigidae, commonly known as the crested pygmy grasshopper or crested grouse locust. It is one of approximately 35 Nearctic species of Tetrigidae. The species exhibits three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions across North America. Like other members of its family, it is characterized by an elongated pronotum that extends over the abdomen, a trait distinguishing pygmy grasshoppers from typical grasshoppers in Acrididae.
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stemhumanRelevanceinteraction-with-humanssimilarTaxamust-include-reasonmisconceptionsonly-if-meaningfulextraDetailsimportant-additional-contextSTYLE-RULESclear-direct-sentencesavoid-fluff-filler-languagerepeating-taxonomy-in-proseoverly-technical-jargonconcrete-statementsabstract-descriptionsQUALITY-RULEScompleteness-highmost-fields-well-supportedcompleteness-mediumpartial-but-reliablecompleteness-lowsparse-datahasInferredContenttrue-ONLY-if-generalization-usedotherwise-falseOUTPUT-FORMATstrictly-match-JSON-schemano-extra-fieldsno-commentary-outside-JSONwater-associatedthree-subspeciesN.-c.-cristatusN.-c.-compressusN.-c.-floridanussmall-size399-observationsexact-matchmedium-completenessno-inferred-contentfactual-correctness-prioritizedconservative-approachinformative-contentno-fluffno-vague-generalizationscautious-language-where-neededno-fabricationunique-field-contentfocused-sectionsJSON-schema-complianceno-commentaryPodopinae
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).
Proxys
black stink bugs
Proxys is a genus of stink bugs in the family Pentatomidae, established by Spinola in 1840. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across the Americas, with Proxys punctulatus (black stink bug) being the most widely documented. Species in this genus are characterized by predominantly black coloration and are associated with leguminous crops, particularly soybeans. The genus has been documented in both North and South America, with some species showing broad geographic ranges extending from the United States through Central America to Brazil and Argentina.
Ramosiana
Ramosiana is a genus of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) established by Kormilev in 1950. The genus belongs to the diverse family Pentatomidae, which includes many plant-feeding species. Records from iNaturalist indicate at least 80 observations of this genus, suggesting it is documented in field observations.
Sciocorini
Sciocorini is a tribe of stink bugs within the family Pentatomidae. The tribe comprises approximately 12 genera, including the type genus Sciocoris. Members are classified as true bugs in the order Hemiptera. The tribe has been documented across multiple continents with substantial observational records.
Trichonephila clavata
Jorō spider, Joro Spider, Parachute spider
Trichonephila clavata, commonly known as the Jorō spider, is a large orb-weaving spider native to East Asia that has become established as an invasive species in the southeastern United States since approximately 2010. First confirmed in Georgia in 2014, it has expanded rapidly across multiple states through a combination of ballooning dispersal and human-mediated transport. The species is notable for its substantial size, striking coloration, and extensive golden webs, but poses minimal risk to humans due to small fangs and docile behavior. Its physiological adaptations—including higher metabolic rate, faster heart rate, and greater cold tolerance than its congener Trichonephila clavipes—suggest potential for continued northward range expansion.
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pennipes
feather-legged fly
Trichopoda pennipes is a tachinid fly native to North and South America that has been introduced to Europe and other regions as a biological control agent. Adults feed on nectar and are active from late spring through autumn. Females deposit eggs on true bugs, particularly stink bugs and squash bugs, and the developing larvae act as internal parasitoids that eventually kill their hosts. The species is notable for its feather-like hind leg fringes and is considered a valuable natural enemy of agricultural pests, though its effectiveness varies by region and host species.