True-bug
Guides
Ligyrocoris obscurus
dirt-colored seed bug
Ligyrocoris obscurus is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, described by Barber in 1921. The species is known from North America, with records primarily from the United States. As a member of the Lygaeoidea superfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of seed-feeding true bugs.
Limnocoris lutzi
Limnocoris lutzi is a species of creeping water bug in the family Naucoridae. It is found in Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: Limnocoris lutzi lutzi and Limnocoris lutzi rivers.
Lophoscutus uhleri
Lophoscutus uhleri is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Phymatinae. The species was described by Handlirsch in 1897. Phymatine reduviids are predatory true bugs characterized by their raptorial forelegs used to capture prey. Members of the genus Lophoscutus are known from North America.
Lopidea ampla
Lopidea ampla is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It was described by Van Duzee in 1917. The species is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. As a member of the large and diverse Miridae family, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Lopidea apache
Lopidea apache is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1918. It belongs to the large and diverse family of true bugs commonly known as plant bugs or leaf bugs. The genus Lopidea contains numerous species distributed primarily in North America. Very little specific information is documented about the biology and ecology of this particular species.
Lygaeospilus tripunctatus
Lygaeospilus tripunctatus is a seed bug species in the family Lygaeidae, first described by Dallas in 1852 under the basionym Aphanus tripunctatus. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Mexico. It belongs to the subfamily Lygaeinae within the true bug infraorder Pentatomomorpha.
Lygaeus analis
Lygaeus analis is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, distributed from Mexico through Central America to tropical South America. The species belongs to a genus that includes several milkweed-associated bugs, though specific ecological details for L. analis itself remain poorly documented. It is a true bug with typical lygaeid morphology, but published studies have not examined its biology in detail.
Lygidea rosacea
Lygidea rosacea is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Reuter in 1909. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Illinois and Colorado in the United States. As a member of the Miridae, it belongs to one of the largest families of true bugs, commonly known as plant bugs or leaf bugs. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal information available regarding its biology, ecology, or host associations.
Lygus convexicollis
Lygus convexicollis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, native to western North America. It is one of 34 recognized species in the genus Lygus on the continent. The species was described by Reuter in 1876, with two former varieties (coloratus and dolichorhynchus) later synonymized under it. Like other Lygus species, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts and is associated with herbaceous vegetation.
Macrosaldula monae
Macrosaldula monae is a species of shore bug in the family Saldidae, described by Drake in 1952. It belongs to the infraorder Leptopodomorpha, a group of predatory true bugs associated with moist habitats. The species has been documented in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Macrotylus intermedius
Macrotylus intermedius is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Wagner in 1950. It belongs to a genus of small, often inconspicuous true bugs that are primarily associated with herbaceous vegetation. The species is documented from Dalmatia (Croatia) based on distribution records. Like other members of Macrotylus, it likely inhabits dry, open habitats where its host plants grow, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Malezonotus sodalicius
dirt-colored seed bug
Malezonotus sodalicius is a species of true bug in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly known as dirt-colored seed bugs. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. The species was described by Uhler in 1876. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with ground-level habitats and seed-feeding ecology.
Mayana
Mayana is a genus of true bugs in the family Oxycarenidae, established by Distant in 1893. The genus comprises at least three described species of small hemipteran insects. Members of this family are typically seed bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Very little is known about the specific biology of Mayana species.
Mayana ramosus
Mayana ramosus is a species of true bug in the family Oxycarenidae, first described by Barber in 1938. The genus Mayana is a small group within the lygaeoid complex, and this species is one of few documented members. Records indicate occurrence in the United States. Like other Oxycarenidae, it is presumed to be a seed-feeding heteropteran, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Megalopsallus humeralis
Megalopsallus humeralis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, originally described by Van Duzee in 1923 as Sthenarus humeralis. It belongs to the subfamily Phylinae, a group of small predatory or phytophagous true bugs commonly known as leaf bugs or plant bugs. The genus Megalopsallus comprises small mirids distributed primarily in western North America and adjacent regions of Mexico. This species has been documented from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Melacoryphus admirabilis
Admirable Seed Bug
Melacoryphus admirabilis is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, native to the Nearctic region of North America. The species is closely related to other soapberry bugs and shares ecological associations with plants in the family Sapindaceae. It occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, typically in warm, arid habitats. Like other members of its genus, it feeds on seeds and plant fluids. The species is occasionally encountered in large aggregations.
Melanaethus uhleri
Melanaethus uhleri is a species of burrowing bug in the family Cydnidae, order Hemiptera. The genus Melanaethus belongs to the burrowing bug family Cydnidae, a group of true bugs adapted for digging in soil and associated with roots of plants. Species in this genus are typically found in the Nearctic region. As with other cydnids, M. uhleri likely exhibits subterranean habits and feeds on plant roots, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in the accessible literature.
Melanopleurus belfragei
redcoat seed bug
Melanopleurus belfragei, commonly known as the redcoat seed bug, is a species of true bug in the family Lygaeidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species is a member of the seed bug group within the family, which are generally associated with feeding on seeds. It was originally described as Lygaeus belfragei by Stål in 1874 before being transferred to the genus Melanopleurus.
Melanopleurus fuscosus
Melanopleurus fuscosus is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, described by Brailovsky in 1977. The species has been documented from Santa Cruz Island off the coast of California, with 211 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As a member of the Lygaeidae, it belongs to a family of true bugs commonly known as seed bugs, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Melanorhopala clavata
Melanorhopala clavata is a species of lace bug in the family Tingidae. It is a true bug (Hemiptera) native to North America, with records spanning much of the continent including Canada and the United States. As a lace bug, it possesses the characteristic reticulated, lace-like wing covers typical of the family Tingidae. Specific biological details regarding its host plants, life history, and ecological role remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Merragata brunnea
Merragata brunnea is a species of velvet water bug in the family Hebridae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Drake in 1917.
Mesovelia amoena
water treader
Mesovelia amoena is a species of water treader (family Mesoveliidae), a group of semiaquatic true bugs adapted to life at the water surface. The species was described by Uhler in 1894 and has a remarkably broad distribution spanning five continents. Water treaders in this family are characterized by their ability to walk on water using surface tension, aided by their hydrophobic body covering and specialized leg structure.
Metacanthus multispinus
Green Stilt Bug
Metacanthus multispinus is a stilt bug in the family Berytidae, commonly known as the Green Stilt Bug. It has a broad distribution across the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and into northern South America. The species is characterized by the elongated, slender legs typical of stilt bugs, which elevate the body above the substrate.
Mezira granulata
Mezira granulata is a species of flat bug in the family Aradidae, characterized by its dorsoventrally flattened body form. The species is distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Like other members of Aradidae, it is associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. The specific epithet 'granulata' refers to a granular or roughened body surface texture.
Microplax albofasciata
Microplax albofasciata is a true bug in the family Oxycarenidae, native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western Europe. The species was first described by Costa in 1847 and has been documented across southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It was first recorded in North America in California in 2012, representing a recent range expansion. The specific epithet 'albofasciata' refers to a white banded pattern characteristic of this species.
Microporus obliquus
Microporus obliquus is a burrowing bug in the family Cydnidae, first described by Uhler in 1872. It belongs to the true bugs (Hemiptera), a group characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is found in Central America and North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Microvelia beameri
Microvelia beameri is a small water strider in the family Veliidae, described by McKinstry in 1937. The species belongs to a genus characterized by small body size and the ability to skate on water surfaces. Records indicate presence across Caribbean, Middle America, and North America. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting either rarity or underreporting due to its minute size.
Monalocorisca rostrata
Monalocorisca rostrata is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Johnston in 1939. It belongs to the large and diverse family of true bugs, which are characterized by their piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is currently accepted and documented in taxonomic catalogs, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Myiomma
Myiomma is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, subfamily Isometopinae. The genus was established by Puton in 1872. At least 15 species of Isometopinae are recorded from China, with Myiomma being one of four genera represented in the region. The genus includes Myiomma qinlingensis, described from the Qinling Mountains of China.
Nabidae
Damsel Bugs
Nabidae is a family of predatory true bugs known as damsel bugs, containing over 500 species in approximately 20 genera. These soft-bodied, elongate insects are terrestrial predators that use raptorial forelegs to capture and hold prey, similar to mantids. They are economically important in agriculture due to their predation on crop pests including aphids, lepidopteran eggs, and other small insects. Many species are attracted to lights at night, and some exhibit wing polymorphism with fully winged, short-winged, or wingless forms.
Nabis inscriptus
damsel bug
Nabis inscriptus is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae. It occurs across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. As a member of the genus Nabis, it shares the characteristic predatory habits of damsel bugs, though species-specific behavioral details are not well documented. The species was first described by William Kirby in 1837.
Nabis lovettii
Lovett's damsel bug
Nabis lovettii is a species of damsel bug in the family Nabidae, a group of small predatory true bugs. Damsel bugs are nocturnal predators that subdue insects larger than themselves using raptorial forelegs. Members of the genus Nabis are among the most abundant small predators in North American ecosystems and are considered economically important for biological pest control in agricultural systems. Nabis lovettii has been documented in western North America.
Nabis nigrovittatus
Damsel bug
Nabis nigrovittatus is a predatory damsel bug in the family Nabidae. It is a small, nocturnal true bug that hunts other insects. The species has been recorded in Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Like other nabids, it is considered economically important for biological pest control in agricultural systems.
Nabis subcoleoptratus
Black Damsel Bug
Nabis subcoleoptratus, commonly known as the Black Damsel Bug, is a small predatory true bug in the family Nabidae. Like other damsel bugs, it is a nocturnal predator that feeds on other insects. The species is part of the genus Nabis, which contains numerous species across North America. Damsel bugs are economically important as natural predators in agricultural systems, helping control pest populations.
Namacus
Namacus is a genus of leaf-footed bugs in the family Coreidae, established by Amyot & Serville in 1843. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed in the Americas. Members of this genus are true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by their placement within the tribe Hypselonotini.
Neocapsus leviscutatus
Neocapsus leviscutatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1925. Originally described as a subspecies of Neocapsus cuneatus, it is now recognized as a full species. The species is known from a limited number of records in the southeastern United States. Like other mirids, it belongs to the diverse group of true bugs characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Neocyrtopeltocoris triangularis
Neocyrtopeltocoris triangularis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, order Hemiptera. As a member of the largest family of true bugs, it shares the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of the order. The species is documented from very few observations, indicating it is either rare, cryptic, or undercollected.
Neohecalus lineatus
Neohecalus lineatus is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Uhler in 1877. It belongs to the tribe Hecalini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. Distribution records indicate presence in several eastern and midwestern U.S. states including Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, and Indiana. As a member of the Hemiptera, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of true bugs.
Neopetissius
Neopetissius is a genus of seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae, described by O'Donnell in 2001. It belongs to the tribe Lethaeini within the subfamily Rhyparochrominae. The genus is part of the diverse lygaeoid radiation of Heteroptera. As a relatively recently described taxon, detailed biological information remains limited.
Neortholomus koreshanus
Neortholomus koreshanus is a seed bug in the family Lygaeidae, originally described as Belonochilus koreshanus by Van Duzee in 1909. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America, with records from the United States and Isle of Pines (Cuba). As a member of the subfamily Orsillinae, it belongs to a group commonly associated with seed-feeding habits. The genus Neortholomus is relatively small and poorly studied, with limited published information on its biology.
Neosuris castanea
Neosuris castanea is a species of dirt-colored seed bug in the family Rhyparochromidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was originally described as Esuris castanea by Barber in 1911. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Neotibicen latifasciatus
Coastal scissor grinder cicada
Neotibicen latifasciatus is an annual cicada species in the genus Neotibicen, commonly known as the coastal scissor grinder cicada. It was originally described by Davis in 1915 as a variety of Cicada pruinosa. The species is part of the 'scissor grinder' group of cicadas, which produce distinctive buzzing calls. As an annual cicada, it emerges every year rather than in synchronized broods like periodical cicadas.
Neurocolpus johnstoni
Neurocolpus johnstoni is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1934. It belongs to the genus Neurocolpus, a group of mirid bugs found in North America. The species is known from limited collection records in Texas, USA. Like other members of Miridae, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Norvellina clarivida
Norvellina clarivida is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1894. The genus Norvellina belongs to the tribe Platymetopiini within the subfamily Deltocephalinae. Like other leafhoppers, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts used to extract plant sap. Available records indicate this species occurs in the western United States, specifically Colorado and Utah.
Nothodelphax slossonae
Nothodelphax slossonae is a species of delphacid planthopper in the family Delphacidae. The species is distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Like other members of the genus Nothodelphax, it belongs to a group of small planthoppers associated with grassland and wetland habitats. The species was described by Ball in 1903.
Notonecta
backswimmers, common backswimmer, Milky Backswimmers
Notonecta is a genus of aquatic predatory insects commonly known as backswimmers, comprising approximately 70 species. They are distinguished by their habit of swimming upside down, using long hind legs modified as oars. The genus exhibits distinct morphological and behavioral traits that separate it from superficially similar water boatmen (family Corixidae), including triangular cross-section body shape, bold color patterns, and diurnal activity patterns. Notonecta species occupy diverse freshwater habitats and function as active predators of small aquatic organisms.
Notonecta indica
backswimmer
Notonecta indica is a predatory aquatic true bug in the family Notonectidae, commonly known as backswimmers. The species has been documented in eastern Jamaica where it preys on mosquito larvae, particularly Aedes aegypti, with consumption rates increasing exponentially through nymphal development. Adults consume approximately 38 mosquito larvae daily under laboratory conditions. The species occurs across a broad geographic range including the Caribbean, Central America, North America, Oceania, and South America. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 36 days under warm conditions, with shorter development times than temperate backswimmer species attributed to higher temperatures and food availability.
Notonecta kirbyi
Kirby's Backswimmer
Notonecta kirbyi, commonly known as Kirby's backswimmer, is a species of aquatic true bug in the family Notonectidae. Like other backswimmers, it swims inverted on the water surface using its long, oar-like hind legs. The species is found in North America and shares the general habits of the genus Notonecta, including predatory feeding on small aquatic organisms and the ability to fly between water bodies.
Notonecta lunata
Backswimmer
Notonecta lunata is a species of backswimmer in the family Notonectidae. It is found in North America, with specific records from Vermont and other parts of the United States. Backswimmers in the genus Notonecta are aquatic insects known for swimming upside down and preying on small aquatic organisms.
Notonecta montezuma
Notonecta montezuma is a species of backswimmer in the family Notonectidae. It is an aquatic true bug found in North and Middle America. Like other backswimmers, it swims upside down using its long, oar-like hind legs. The species is part of the genus Notonecta, which contains backswimmers that are generally larger than water boatmen and more commonly encountered in open water habitats.