Hairy Chinch Bug
Blissus leucopterus
This record describes Blissus leucopterus (species). Recorded family: Blissidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wings vary in length (from as long as the body to ⅓-½ body length) and bear a distinctive triangular black mark. during periods of abundance has caused massive damage to corn and small grains in the midwestem states
Wikipedia reference for Blissus leucopterus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blissus_leucopterus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NA east of the Rockies (NS-FL to WY-TX)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
overwinter as adults in protected areas, such as among weeds and grasses near fields.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Blissus leucopterus (Say 1832)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Blissus leucopterus. 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 Hairy Chinch Bug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Omar Fahmy , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hairy Chinch Bug
What is Hairy Chinch Bug?
Hairy Chinch Bug (Blissus leucopterus) is a species in the family Blissidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Hairy Chinch Bug?
adult about 4 mm
How do you identify Hairy Chinch Bug?
Wings vary in length (from as long as the body to ⅓-½ body length) and bear a distinctive triangular black mark.
Where is Hairy Chinch Bug found?
Range: NA east of the Rockies (NS-FL to WY-TX)
What is the life cycle of a Hairy Chinch Bug?
overwinter as adults in protected areas, such as among weeds and grasses near fields.