Belostoma subspinosum
This record describes Belostoma subspinosum (species). Recorded family: Belostomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Larger than other Belostoma in our area, except for B. ellipticum . Compared to B. ellipticum , B. subspinosum has anteoculus shorter than interoculus; males with dorsal arms of phallotheca short or slightly elongated.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Nepoidea
- Family
- Belostomatidae (Giant Water Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Belostomatinae
- Genus
- Belostoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southern Texas, s. Arizona, s. California to Central America; W Indies
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Belostoma subspinosum (Palisot de Beauvois, 1805)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Belostoma subspinosum. 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 Belostoma subspinosum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Pintar; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Belostoma subspinosum
What is Belostoma subspinosum?
Belostoma subspinosum is a species in the family Belostomatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Belostoma subspinosum?
Length: males 27.5-35 mm, females 30.5-35.0 mm Width: males 12.7-15.5 mm, females 12.2-15.4 mm
How do you identify Belostoma subspinosum?
Larger than other Belostoma in our area, except for B. ellipticum . Compared to B. ellipticum , B. subspinosum has anteoculus shorter than interoculus; males with dorsal arms of phallotheca short or slightly elongated.
Where is Belostoma subspinosum found?
Range: southern Texas, s. Arizona, s. California to Central America; W Indies