Eremocoris podagricus
This record describes Eremocoris podagricus (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium to large bug, with reddish-brown forewings and a pair of semicircular white spots on the membrane, adjacent to the cuneus. E. podagricus has two large and several smaller spines on the front femora, and the hind tibia have long hairs roughly equal to the tibial width. Other Eremorcoris. E fenestratus , also present in VC55, has one large and several small spines on the front femora Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species (a field photograph alone is not normally sufficient because there are one or more similar species). Photograph the spines on the front femora and hairs on the hind tibiae. Local (ref.: British Heteroptera checklist 2021 on British Bugs website) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/eremocoris_podagricus.html
Classification
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year
Additional species information
Recorded status
Local (ref.:
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Eremocoris podagricus. 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.
