Aelia americana
This record describes Aelia americana (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pentatominae
- Tribe
- Aeliini
- Genus
- Aelia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
associated with grasses, may be common in wheat, rye, or barley fields
Geographic Range
w. to c. NA, mostly w. of the Miss. R. (AK‒*CA to NT‒ON‒MI‒AR‒AL) - Map (*BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: probably developing grain
Life History
5th instar
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aelia americana Dallas 1851
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aelia americana. 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 Aelia americana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Andrew Meeds , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Aelia americana
How big is Aelia americana?
7.0‒9.0 mm
Where is Aelia americana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | associated with grasses, may be common in wheat, rye, or barley fields |
| Range | w. to c. NA, mostly w. of the Miss. R. (AK‒*CA to NT‒ON‒MI‒AR‒AL) - Map (*BG data) |
What does Aelia americana eat?
The diet of the Aelia americana includes probably developing grain.
What is the life cycle of a Aelia americana?
5th instar