Sand Bug
Emblethis vicarius
This record describes Emblethis vicarius (species). Recorded family: Rhyparochromidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
color variable: coarse dark punctures strongly contrasting with pale yellowish or gray ground color, the mix of yellow and blackish spots on a pale background gives an overall medium brown appearance; tips of hemelytra clear or unspotted pale gray, contrasting with remainder of dorsal surface Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2015 Reported to be parasitized by Phasia aldrichii (Townsend) ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Rhyparochromidae (Dirt-colored Seed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Rhyparochrominae
- Tribe
- Gonianotini
- Genus
- Emblethis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
open sandy habitats such as gravel pits, parking lots, sandy fields, roadsides, beaches above high tide line ( 3 )
Geographic Range
w. N. Amer. to AK and New England (absent elsewhere in e. US) / Mex. to South Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported to feed on cow droppings
Life History
two generations per year in the north - perhaps year-round breeding in Florida; overwinters as an adult ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Emblethis vicarius Horváth 1908
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Emblethis vicarius. 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 Sand Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Sand Bug
What is Sand Bug?
Sand Bug (Emblethis vicarius) is a species in the family Rhyparochromidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Sand Bug?
6-7 mm
How do you identify Sand Bug?
color variable: coarse dark punctures strongly contrasting with pale yellowish or gray ground color, the mix of yellow and blackish spots on a pale background gives an overall medium brown appearance; tips of hemelytra clear or unspotted pale gray, contrasting with remainder of dorsal surface Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2015
Where is Sand Bug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | open sandy habitats such as gravel pits, parking lots, sandy fields, roadsides, beaches above high tide line ( 3 ) |
| Range | w. N. Amer. to AK and New England (absent elsewhere in e. US) / Mex. to South Amer. - Map |
What does Sand Bug eat?
The diet of the Sand Bug includes reported to feed on cow droppings.
What is the life cycle of a Sand Bug?
two generations per year in the north - perhaps year-round breeding in Florida; overwinters as an adult ( 3 )