African Cluster Bug
Agonoscelis puberula
This record describes Agonoscelis puberula (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
- nymph earliest record in our area: AZ 1990
Identification notes
- nymph
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
- Agonoscelidini
- Genus
- Agonoscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive CA to c. TX / Mexico / W. Indies - Map ; native to so. Africa
Diet and Behavior
Diet: known hosts include members of Lamiaceae (horehound, thyme), Linaceae (flax), Buddlejaceae ( Buddleja ), and Rubiaceae (coffee tree); apparently occurs on an even wider range of hosts
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agonoscelis puberula Stål 1854
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Agonoscelis puberula. 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 African Cluster Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About African Cluster Bug
What is African Cluster Bug?
African Cluster Bug (Agonoscelis puberula) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify African Cluster Bug?
- nymph
Where is African Cluster Bug found?
Range: adventive CA to c. TX / Mexico / W. Indies - Map ; native to so. Africa
What does African Cluster Bug eat?
The diet of the African Cluster Bug includes known hosts include members of Lamiaceae (horehound, thyme), Linaceae (flax), Buddlejaceae ( Buddleja ), and Rubiaceae (coffee tree); apparently occurs on an even wider range of hosts.