Ascra bifida
This record describes Ascra bifida (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ascra bifida (Ascra bifida) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, commonly known as stink bugs, belonging to the order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies). It is classified within the subfamily Edessinae, suborder Heteroptera, superfamily Pentatomoidea. This species belongs to the genus Ascra. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 12‒15 mm. It is found in broad coastal plains.
Identification notes
nymphs
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
- Edessinae
- Genus
- Ascra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
broad coastal plains ( 3 )
Geographic Range
se. US (c.TX-FL-s.NJ) to S. America, W. Indies ‒ Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: recorded feeding on plants of 7 families ( 4 ) , including Ipomoea spp. (Convolvulaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ascra bifida (Say 1831)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ascra bifida. 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 Ascra bifida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ron M.; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ascra bifida
What is Ascra bifida?
Ascra bifida is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Ascra bifida?
12‒15 mm
How do you identify Ascra bifida?
nymphs
Where is Ascra bifida found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | broad coastal plains ( 3 ) |
| Range | se. US (c.TX-FL-s.NJ) to S. America, W. Indies ‒ Map |
What does Ascra bifida eat?
The diet of the Ascra bifida includes recorded feeding on plants of 7 families ( 4 ) , including Ipomoea spp. (Convolvulaceae) ( 5 ).