Arhyssus lateralis
This record describes Arhyssus lateralis (species). Recorded family: Rhopalidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
extremely variable in color
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Coreoidea
- Family
- Rhopalidae (Scentless Plant Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Rhopalinae
- Tribe
- Niesthreini
- Genus
- Arhyssus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common on a variety of weedy plants in open fields
Geographic Range
much of NA (WA-SK-NB to Guatemala)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Smartweed ( Polygonum , Polygonaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Arhyssus lateralis (Say 1825)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Arhyssus lateralis. 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 Arhyssus lateralis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Arhyssus lateralis
How big is Arhyssus lateralis?
5-7 mm
How do you identify Arhyssus lateralis?
extremely variable in color
Where is Arhyssus lateralis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common on a variety of weedy plants in open fields |
| Range | much of NA (WA-SK-NB to Guatemala) |
What does Arhyssus lateralis eat?
The diet of the Arhyssus lateralis includes Smartweed ( Polygonum , Polygonaceae).