Abedus herberti
This record describes Abedus herberti (species). Recorded family: Belostomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
flightless, has to move overland between streams; isolated populations in the Sky Islands of Arizona and n.Sonora that could eventually develop into subspecies/species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Nepoidea
- Family
- Belostomatidae (Giant Water Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Belostomatinae
- Genus
- Abedus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Freshwater streams, especially in montane areas. They often inhabit intermittent streams, so they are isolated to individual rock pools (tinajas) during dry periods when streams do not exhibit overland flow.
Geographic Range
sw.US (UT‒AZ‒NM) & n.Mexico
Seasonal Activity
year-round in streams; mating in summer, especially prior to and during the monsoons
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Males attract females by creating patterns of ripples in the water. They then mate many times, the female laying 1-4 eggs after every copulation. Females lay their eggs (sometimes over 100) on the backs of their mates. The father then cares for his brood until they hatch by carrying them to the surface periodically and performing a behavior called brood pumping underwater. Eggs typically take less than 3 weeks to hatch. Once hatched, the nymphs develop through 5 instars before molting into adults. These bugs are long lived and can live well over a year if the conditions are favorable.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Abedus herberti Hidalgo 1935
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Abedus herberti. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Abedus herberti (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov , DragonflyWoman
Frequently Asked Questions About Abedus herberti
What is Abedus herberti?
Abedus herberti is a species in the family Belostomatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Abedus herberti?
2‒3cm, depending on population/habitat
Where is Abedus herberti found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Freshwater streams, especially in montane areas. They often inhabit intermittent streams, so they are isolated to individual rock pools (tinajas) during dry periods when streams do not exhibit overland flow. |
| Range | sw.US (UT‒AZ‒NM) & n.Mexico |
When is Abedus herberti active?
Abedus herberti: seasonal activity - year-round in streams; mating in summer, especially prior to and during the monsoons.
What is the life cycle of a Abedus herberti?
Males attract females by creating patterns of ripples in the water. They then mate many times, the female laying 1-4 eggs after every copulation. Females lay their eggs (sometimes over 100) on the backs of their mates. The father then cares for his brood until they hatch by carrying them to the surface periodically and performing a behavior called brood pumping underwater. Eggs typically take less than 3 weeks to hatch. Once hatched, the nymphs develop through 5 instars before molting into adults. These bugs are long lived and can live well over a year if the conditions are favorable.