Creosote Stink Bug
Dendrocoris contaminatus
This record describes Dendrocoris contaminatus (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Yellowish to brick red, pronotal cicatrices contrastingly dark brown (characteristic), connexivum unicolorous Dets. Salvador Vitanza the most common pentatomid on Larrea
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pentatominae
- Tribe
- Procleticini
- Genus
- Dendrocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (se.CA-s.NV-sw.UT-w.TX) and Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
spring and fall ( 4 ) ; May-Nov in NM ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
restricted to creosote bush ( Larrea tridentata )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dendrocoris contaminatus Uhler 1897
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Dendrocoris contaminatus. 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 Creosote Stink Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Creosote Stink Bug
What is Creosote Stink Bug?
Creosote Stink Bug (Dendrocoris contaminatus) is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Creosote Stink Bug?
6-7 mm (Uhler 1897)
How do you identify Creosote Stink Bug?
Yellowish to brick red, pronotal cicatrices contrastingly dark brown (characteristic), connexivum unicolorous Dets. Salvador Vitanza
Where is Creosote Stink Bug found?
Range: sw. US (se.CA-s.NV-sw.UT-w.TX) and Mex. - Map
When is Creosote Stink Bug active?
Creosote Stink Bug: seasonal activity - spring and fall ( 4 ) ; May-Nov in NM ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Creosote Stink Bug?
restricted to creosote bush ( Larrea tridentata )