Elasmostethus atricornis
This record describes Elasmostethus atricornis (species). Recorded family: Acanthosomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Wikipedia reference for Elasmostethus atricornis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elasmostethus_atricornis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Acanthosomatidae (Shield Bugs)
- Genus
- Elasmostethus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA west to ON-MI-IL
Seasonal Activity
adults Jul-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: spikenard ( Aralia racemosa )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Elasmostethus atricornis (Van Duzee 1904)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Elasmostethus atricornis. 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 Elasmostethus atricornis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Elasmostethus atricornis
How big is Elasmostethus atricornis?
9.0-10.0 mm
Where is Elasmostethus atricornis found?
Range: e. NA west to ON-MI-IL
What does Elasmostethus atricornis eat?
The diet of the Elasmostethus atricornis includes host: spikenard ( Aralia racemosa ).
When is Elasmostethus atricornis active?
Elasmostethus atricornis: seasonal activity - adults Jul-Sep.
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