Box Bug
Gonocerus acuteangulatus
This record describes Gonocerus acuteangulatus (species). Recorded family: Coreidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 11 to 14 mm. A relatively large reddish-brown squashbug, distinguished from the commoner Coreus marginatus by the narrower abdomen and more pointed lateral extremities of the pronotum. Nymphs have a green abdomen which can become dull red late in the season. The more common Dock Bug has a more rounded abdomen. It is exploiting different foodplants, and has been found on hawthorn, buckthorn, yew and plum trees. Historically very rare (RBD1) and known only from Box Hill in Surrey, where it feeds on Box trees, this bug is expanding its range and now occurs widely in the south-east of England and beyond.
Wikipedia reference for Gonocerus acuteangulatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonocerus_acuteangulatus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is exploiting different foodplants, and has been found on hawthorn, buckthorn, yew and plum trees.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year
Additional species information
Recorded status
Historically very rare (RBD1) and known only from Box Hill in Surrey, where it feeds on Box trees, this bug is expanding its range and now occurs widely in the south-east of England and beyond.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Gonocerus acuteangulatus. 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 Box Bug (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Box Bug
What is Box Bug?
Box Bug (Gonocerus acuteangulatus) is a species in the family Coreidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Box Bug?
11 to 14 mm. A relatively large reddish-brown squashbug, distinguished from the commoner Coreus marginatus by the narrower abdomen and more pointed lateral extremities of the pronotum. Nymphs have a green abdomen which can become dull red late in the season.
Where is Box Bug found?
Habitat: It is exploiting different foodplants, and has been found on hawthorn, buckthorn, yew and plum trees.
When is Box Bug active?
Box Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year.