Common Cotton Stainer
Dysdercus suturellus
This record describes Dysdercus suturellus (species). Recorded family: Pyrrhocoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Corium light to dark brown, not reddish; black spot absent, but a dark bar sometimes variously developed from obscure to distinct. First antennomere distinctly longer than the second. a pest of cotton; Feeding on the cotton bolls stains them an indelible yellow as plant sap seeps out of the puncture wound, and microorganisms and fungus grows at the site. The feeding habit also damages the fibres by cutting them, and affects the growth of the cotton boll. ( Tan 2001 )
Wikipedia reference for Dysdercus suturellus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysdercus_suturellus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pyrrhocoroidea
- Family
- Pyrrhocoridae (Red Bugs)
- Genus
- Dysdercus (Cotton Stainers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US / W. Indies , but mostly so. FL (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
yr round in FL (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: found on many plants, incl. cotton, hibiscus, oranges, etc.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Dysdercus suturellus. 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 Cotton Stainer (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Cotton Stainer
What is Common Cotton Stainer?
Common Cotton Stainer (Dysdercus suturellus) is a species in the family Pyrrhocoridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Common Cotton Stainer?
adult 11-17 mm
How do you identify Common Cotton Stainer?
Corium light to dark brown, not reddish; black spot absent, but a dark bar sometimes variously developed from obscure to distinct. First antennomere distinctly longer than the second.
Where is Common Cotton Stainer found?
Range: se. US / W. Indies , but mostly so. FL (BG data)
What does Common Cotton Stainer eat?
The diet of the Common Cotton Stainer includes found on many plants, incl. cotton, hibiscus, oranges, etc..
When is Common Cotton Stainer active?
Common Cotton Stainer: seasonal activity - yr round in FL (BG data).