Cymodema breviceps
This record describes Cymodema breviceps (species). Recorded family: Cymidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

first key couplet: Preocular part of head notably shortened, 1st antennomere extending well beyond apex of tylus; 3rd twice as long as 2nd readily distinguished by the long 3rd antennomere and short head. Color uniform light yellowish-brown, antennae reddish. Pronotum with whitish median line. Type Locality: South Carolona
Wikipedia reference for Cymodema breviceps: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymodema_breviceps.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
damp areas
Geographic Range
e. US (NY-FL to IL-TX) / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , mostly se. US to NY, (but also CO(?) & CA(?))
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: rushes & sedges species of cordgrass ( Spartina ) and rushes ( Juncus ) are preferred food plants
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: breviceps (L). 'short head'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cymodema breviceps. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cymodema breviceps
What is Cymodema breviceps?
Cymodema breviceps is a species in the family Cymidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cymodema breviceps?
~3.6 mm , Length 4.5-5 mm
How do you identify Cymodema breviceps?
first key couplet: Preocular part of head notably shortened, 1st antennomere extending well beyond apex of tylus; 3rd twice as long as 2nd readily distinguished by the long 3rd antennomere and short head. Color uniform light yellowish-brown, antennae reddish. Pronotum with whitish median line.
Where is Cymodema breviceps found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | damp areas |
| Range | e. US (NY-FL to IL-TX) / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , mostly se. US to NY, (but also CO(?) & CA(?)) |
What does Cymodema breviceps eat?
The diet of the Cymodema breviceps includes hosts: rushes & sedges species of cordgrass ( Spartina ) and rushes ( Juncus ) are preferred food plants.
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