Brachycarenus tigrinus
This record describes Brachycarenus tigrinus (species). Recorded family: Rhopalidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6-7mm. Straw-coloured with extensive black markings on the head, adjacent to the eyes. Pronotum is speckled with black, particularly on the hind angles and the scutellum is also marked with black at the base. The head is noticeabl;y shorter than similar Rhopalid species. The abdomen is black with a pair of yellow spots on the tergites 6 and 7. Good quality photographs taken in the field or of a specimen, clearly showing head, pronotum and markings on abdomen Usually been found in warm and sparsely-vegetated brownfield situations. Feeds on plants within the mustard family (Brassicaceae). First recorded in the UK in London in 2003 and now spreading north and west. Uncommon. First records were in 2026, following a long hot dry summer when there was an influx of t Rhopalid and Lygaeid species from the continent. https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Rhopalidae/b_tigrinus.html No additional images available for this species.
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
- Rhopalini
- Genus
- Brachycarenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually been found in warm and sparsely-vegetated brownfield situations.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on plants within the mustard family (Brassicaceae).
Additional species information
Recorded status
First recorded in the UK in London in 2003 and now spreading north and west.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Brachycarenus tigrinus. 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 Brachycarenus tigrinus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachycarenus tigrinus
What is Brachycarenus tigrinus?
Brachycarenus tigrinus is a species in the family Rhopalidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Brachycarenus tigrinus?
6-7mm. Straw-coloured with extensive black markings on the head, adjacent to the eyes. Pronotum is speckled with black, particularly on the hind angles and the scutellum is also marked with black at the base. The head is noticeabl;y shorter than similar Rhopalid species. The abdomen is black with a pair of yellow spots on the tergites 6 and 7.
Where is Brachycarenus tigrinus found?
Habitat: Usually been found in warm and sparsely-vegetated brownfield situations.
When is Brachycarenus tigrinus active?
Brachycarenus tigrinus: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Brachycarenus tigrinus?
Feeds on plants within the mustard family (Brassicaceae).