HemipteraAlydidae – Broad-headed Bugs

Alydus conspersus

This record describes Alydus conspersus (species). Recorded family: Alydidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Alydus conspersus - Alydus conspersus
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Heteroptera
Superfamily
Coreoidea
Family
Alydidae (Broad-headed Bugs)
Subfamily
Alydinae
Genus
Alydus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

across Canada s. to NJ-IA-CO-AZ - Map ; LA

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Alydus conspersus Montandon 1893

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Alydus conspersus. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Alydus conspersus (5)

Alydus conspersus - photo 1
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Alydus conspersus - photo 2
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Alydus conspersus - photo 3
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Alydus conspersus - photo 4
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Alydus conspersus - photo 5
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.