Common Shorebug
Saldula saltatoria
This record describes Saldula saltatoria (species). Recorded family: Saldidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 to 4.5 mm. This genus comprises 11 rather oval saldids which have an entirely dark pronotum and forewings which completely overlap. There are several very similar species which are often difficult to identify. In S. saltatoria, the most common species, there are at least two pale spots along the costal margin, although the pattern on forewings can be very variable. The dark streak on the centre of the fore tibia is not continuous with the dark base and apex. Found alongside waterways, ponds and ditches. Adults occur all year round but are most often recorded in summer. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Saldula saltatoria: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saldula_saltatoria.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Family
- Saldidae (Shore Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Saldinae
- Tribe
- Saldoidini
- Genus
- Saldula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found alongside waterways, ponds and ditches.
Seasonal Activity
Adults occur all year round but are most often recorded in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A predatory species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Saldula saltatoria. 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 Common Shorebug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Shorebug
What is Common Shorebug?
Common Shorebug (Saldula saltatoria) is a species in the family Saldidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Common Shorebug?
4 to 4.5 mm. This genus comprises 11 rather oval saldids which have an entirely dark pronotum and forewings which completely overlap. There are several very similar species which are often difficult to identify. In S. saltatoria, the most common species, there are at least two pale spots along the costal margin, although the pattern on forewings can be very variable. The dark streak on the centre of the fore tibia is not continuous with the dark base and apex.
Where is Common Shorebug found?
Habitat: Found alongside waterways, ponds and ditches.
When is Common Shorebug active?
Common Shorebug: seasonal activity - Adults occur all year round but are most often recorded in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Common Shorebug?
A predatory species.