True-bugs
Guides
Malacocoris
Malacocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Fieber in 1858. The genus contains at least two described species: Malacocoris chlorizans and Malacocoris elongatus. Species are distributed across Europe and North America, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Megalocoleus
Megalocoleus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae. The genus contains approximately 18 described species. Members are true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus was established by Reuter in 1890.
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.
Merocoris curtatus
Merocoris curtatus is a species of leaf-footed bug in the family Coreidae, described by McAtee in 1919. It is native to North America with confirmed records from California. The genus Merocoris belongs to the subfamily Meropachyinae, a group of coreids that typically lack the expanded, leaf-like hind tibiae characteristic of many other leaf-footed bugs. Species in this genus are generally small, compact, and associated with herbaceous vegetation in grassland and open habitats.
Metopoplax
Metopoplax is a genus of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the family Oxycarenidae, established by Fieber in 1860. The genus contains at least three described species: M. ditomoides, M. fuscinervis, and M. origani. Members of this genus are small heteropterans classified within the superfamily Lygaeoidea.
Micracanthia
Micracanthia is a genus of shore bugs in the family Saldidae, established by Reuter in 1912. The genus comprises approximately 15 described species. These insects belong to the true bugs (Heteroptera) and are part of the Saldoidini tribe within the Saldinae subfamily. The genus has been documented in comparative taxonomic studies regarding its relationship to the closely related genus Saldula.
Microplax
Microplax is a genus of true bugs in the family Oxycarenidae, established by Fieber in 1860. The genus includes species native to the Mediterranean region, with at least one species, Microplax albofasciata, having expanded its range northward to the Channel Islands and Germany, and subsequently introduced to North America. The 2012 detection in California represents the first documented occurrence in the United States.
Nepomorpha
true water bugs, water bugs
Nepomorpha is an infraorder of aquatic true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising approximately 2,000 species worldwide. Members are characterized by reduced, weakly muscled antennae typically concealed against the head, and absent or vestigial ocelli. Most species inhabit freshwater environments, with the exception of the superfamily Ochteroidea, which occupies riparian zones along water margins. The group includes diverse forms such as giant water bugs, water scorpions, water boatmen, and backswimmers.
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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Nonlygus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Schwartz and Foottit in 1998. The genus contains at least one described species, N. nubilatus. Like other mirids, members of this genus are true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Obtusicranus
Obtusicranus is a genus of planthoppers in the family Delphacidae, subfamily Stenocraninae. It was established by Bartlett in 2006. Members of this genus are small, delicate insects characterized by their distinctive head structure with a blunt, rounded frons. The genus is part of the diverse Delphacidae family, which contains many economically important agricultural pests, though specific impacts of Obtusicranus species are not well documented.
Oedancala
Oedancala is a genus of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the family Pachygronthidae, established by Amyot & Serville in 1843. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species distributed in the Americas. Members are classified within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, superfamily Lygaeoidea. Some species have been documented utilizing grasses as host plants.
Opisthacidius
Opisthacidius is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Reduviinae. It was established by Berg in 1879 and is native to South America. The genus comprises predatory true bugs that hunt other insects using raptorial forelegs and a piercing-sucking proboscis.
Paramesus
Paramesus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, and tribe Paralimnini. The genus was established by Fieber in 1866 and belongs to the large group of true bugs (Hemiptera) within the Auchenorrhyncha. Leafhoppers in this genus are small, plant-feeding insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus is part of the diverse Membracoidea superfamily, which contains many economically significant agricultural pests.
Parapiesma
Parapiesma is a genus of true bugs in the family Piesmatidae, established by Péricart in 1974. The genus comprises at least two described species: Parapiesma atriplicis and Parapiesma cinereum. Members of this genus are found across Europe, northern Asia, and North America.
Peconus
Peconus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae, and tribe Paralimnini. It was established by Oman in 1949 and belongs to the large group of true bugs (Hemiptera) characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. As a member of the Paralimnini, it is part of a tribe associated with grassland and wetland habitats. The genus is taxonomically accepted but poorly documented in published literature.
Phasiinae
bug-killing flies
Phasiinae is a subfamily of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising endoparasitoid species that primarily attack Heteroptera (true bugs). Members are commonly known as "bug-killing flies" and include important biological control agents of agricultural pests. The subfamily contains multiple tribes including Phasiini, Gymnosomatini, Trichopodini, Strongygastrini, and Parerigonini. Most species possess specialized adaptations for parasitoid life, including piercing structures for direct egg insertion into host tissues.
Phymatopsallus
Phymatopsallus is a genus of plant bugs (family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae) endemic to western North America. The genus was established by Knight in 1964. A 2006 revision significantly expanded understanding of the group, describing 9 new genera and 15 new species within the Phymatopsallus group. These are small, soft-bodied true bugs with the typical mirid morphology of slender bodies and hemelytra with distinct membranous apices.
Physatocheila
Physatocheila is a genus of lace bugs in the family Tingidae, established by Fieber in 1844. The genus comprises at least 50 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with documented occurrences in Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), North America (United States), and Asia (China, Russian Far East). Species have been described from diverse geographic regions including Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in China, and the southern Primorskiy Territory in the Russian Far East.
Piesmatidae
ash-grey leaf bugs, ash-gray leaf bugs
Piesmatidae is a small family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in the superfamily Lygaeoidea, commonly known as ash-grey leaf bugs. The family contains three extant subfamilies and eleven genera, with over 40 described species. Members are small phytophagous insects, typically 2–4 mm in length, characterized by a distinctive reticulate or dimpled pattern on the head, thorax, and corium of the hemelytra. This dimpled texture represents convergent evolution with the lace bugs (Tingidae) of the infraorder Cimicomorpha. The family has a predominantly temperate Northern Hemisphere distribution, with additional occurrences in Africa, Australia, and South America.
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).
Proba
Proba is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Distant in 1884. These true bugs belong to the order Hemiptera and are part of the diverse mirid fauna. Members of this genus are small, soft-bodied insects with the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of the order. The genus is documented in entomological collections and databases, with observations recorded in citizen science platforms.
Protenor
broad-headed bugs
Protenor is a genus of broad-headed bugs (family Alydidae) established by Stål in 1868. The genus contains at least three described species: P. australis, P. belfragei, and P. tropicalis. Members of this genus are true bugs in the suborder Heteroptera, characterized by the family Alydidae's distinctive broad head morphology. The genus has been recorded in North America and other regions, though detailed species-level biology remains poorly documented.
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.
Pyrrhocoridae
Red Bugs, Cotton Stainers
Pyrrhocoridae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising over 300 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as 'red bugs' due to their frequent bright red coloration, with some species called 'cotton stainers' for their economic impact on cotton crops. The family includes the well-known firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) in Europe. Pyrrhocorids are distinguished from similar families by the absence of ocelli on the head. They occupy diverse ecological roles: many feed on seeds and fruits, particularly of Malvales, some are predatory, and a few are significant agricultural pests.
Reuteroscopus
A genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, comprising over 50 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. Members are small true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of the family. The genus was established by Kirkaldy in 1905 and represents a diverse lineage within the Cimicomorpha.
Rhynocoris
Flower Assassin Bugs
Rhynocoris is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Harpactorinae. Species occur across Asia, mainland Europe, Africa, and North America. The genus exhibits subsocial behavior with parental care of egg masses, a trait that has evolved independently only six times in Heteroptera. Multiple species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural pests, particularly in cotton and other crop systems.
Rhytidoporus
Rhytidoporus is a genus of burrowing bugs established by Uhler in 1877. The genus contains three described species: R. barberi, R. compactus, and R. indentatus. Members of this genus belong to the family Cydnidae, a group of true bugs adapted for fossorial life.
Saldidae
Shore bugs
Saldidae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) commonly known as shore bugs. Adults are small (2–8 mm), oval-shaped insects associated with shoreline habitats. The family comprises approximately 350 described species in 39 genera and 2 subfamilies (Chiloxanthinae and Saldinae), with highest diversity in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. Members are predators and scavengers, and many species tolerate submergence during high tides. Winter survival occurs through egg or adult diapause.
Sericophanes
Sericophanes is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) established by Reuter in 1876, containing more than 20 described species. These insects belong to the true bug order Hemiptera, characterized by their piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus is part of the diverse mirid fauna, one of the largest families within Heteroptera.
Sixeonotus
Sixeonotus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Reuter in 1876. The genus contains more than 30 described species. Members of this genus are true bugs (Hemiptera) in the suborder Heteroptera. As with other Miridae, these insects are small to medium-sized plant bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Sphyrocoris
Sphyrocoris is a genus of shield-backed bugs in the family Scutelleridae, established by Mayr in 1864. The genus contains at least two described species: Sphyrocoris obliquus and Sphyrocoris punctellus. Members of this genus exhibit the enlarged scutellum characteristic of the family, which covers most of the abdomen and wings.
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.
Thasus neocalifornicus
giant mesquite bug
Thasus neocalifornicus is a large, distinctive true bug in the family Coreidae, commonly known as the giant mesquite bug. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males possessing heavily armed, thickened hind legs compared to the more slender, red-and-black banded hind legs of females. It is associated with mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.) in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where adults feed on sap and developing seeds. The species has been documented as a host for the egg parasitoid wasp Neorileya ashmeadi (family Eurytomidae).
Thaumastocoridae
palm bugs, bronze bugs
Thaumastocoridae is a small family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising approximately 9 extant genera and more than 20 described species. The family is divided into two recognized subfamilies: Thaumastocorinae, whose members are primarily associated with Eucalyptus and other Myrtaceae as pests, and Xylastodorinae, which exhibit strict specialism on palms (Arecaceae). The family includes significant agricultural pests, notably Thaumastocoris peregrinus, an Australian native that has become a cosmopolitan invasive species damaging eucalyptus plantations worldwide. The fossil record includes Dominican amber and Baltic amber specimens dating to the Miocene and Eocene respectively.
Toonglasa
Toonglasa is a genus of true bugs in the family Blissidae, first described by Distant in 1893. The genus contains a single described species, Toonglasa forficuloides. It is classified within the order Hemiptera, suborder Heteroptera, and infraorder Pentatomomorpha. The family Blissidae comprises seed bugs commonly associated with grasses and sedges.
Trichopoda 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.
Vesperocoris
Vesperocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae. It belongs to the suborder Heteroptera within the order Hemiptera. The genus contains species that are part of the diverse mirid fauna, commonly known as capsid bugs or leaf bugs. Members of this genus are true bugs characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts and hemelytra—forewings with leathery bases and membranous tips.
Wheelerodemus
Wheelerodemus is a genus of true bugs in the family Blissidae, described by Henry and Sweet in 2015. The genus contains at least one described species, Wheelerodemus muhlenbergiae. Members of this genus are associated with grasses in the genus Muhlenbergia.
Xanthomelanodes
Xanthomelanodes is a genus of tachinid flies comprising 13 described species. As members of the subfamily Phasiinae and tribe Gymnosomatini, these flies are endoparasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). Larvae develop inside their hosts and kill them. The genus was erected by Townsend in 1893 as a replacement name for Xanthomelana Wulp, 1892, which was already in use.