Cymus melanocephalus
This record describes Cymus melanocephalus (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3 to 4 mm. Cymus species have a distinctively punctured head, pronotum, scutellum and forewings. Cymus melanocephalus does not have a pale keel on the scutellum, and the forewings are entirely punctured. Although it often has a dark head, paler individuals can be found. Other Cymus. C glandicolor and C aurescens have a pale keel on scutelleum; C claviculus has a narrow impunctate band on the forewings alongside the corio-claval suture. Good photographs taken in the field or of a specimen, clearly showing scutellum and forewings Damp grassland or marsh, associaed with trefoils, rushes and loosestrife Common (ref.: British Heteroptera checklist 2021 on British Bugs website ) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/cymus_melanocephalus.html
Wikipedia reference for Cymus melanocephalus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymus_melanocephalus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Damp grassland or marsh, associaed with trefoils, rushes and loosestrife
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common (ref.: British Heteroptera checklist 2021 on
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cymus melanocephalus. 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 Cymus melanocephalus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cymus melanocephalus
What is Cymus melanocephalus?
Cymus melanocephalus is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cymus melanocephalus?
3 to 4 mm.
Where is Cymus melanocephalus found?
Habitat: Damp grassland or marsh, associaed with trefoils, rushes and loosestrife
When is Cymus melanocephalus active?
Cymus melanocephalus: seasonal activity - Adult: All year.