HemipteraAlydidae – Broad-headed Bugs

Alydus scutellatus

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

Identification and Appearance

Alydus scutellatus - Alydus scutellatus
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

adult habitus Type Locality: New Mexico, San Miguel Co., Beulah, 1901 August 17th, leg. Dr. Henry Skinner.

Identification notes

adult habitus

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

BC-AB-MT-IA to NM - Map , mostly PNW, and CO

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Alydus scutellatus Van Duzee 1903

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

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Alydus scutellatus. 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 scutellatus (5)

Alydus scutellatus - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Alydus scutellatus - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Alydus scutellatus - photo 3
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Alydus scutellatus - photo 4
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Alydus scutellatus - photo 5
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Alydus scutellatus

What is Alydus scutellatus?

Alydus scutellatus is a species in the family Alydidae, within the order Hemiptera.

How do you identify Alydus scutellatus?

adult habitus

Where is Alydus scutellatus found?

Range: BC-AB-MT-IA to NM - Map , mostly PNW, and CO

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

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