Forget-me-not Shieldbug
Sehirus luctuosus
This record describes Sehirus luctuosus (species). Recorded family: Cydnidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5-8mm. A completely black shieldbug, sometimes with a bronzy sheen, wing membrane variable, light or dark. Margins of head and pronotum without bristles. There is a closely-related species present in the UK, Sehirus morio , which seems to be turning up in greater numbers: Sehirus luctuosus, typical length 5-8mm; Sehirus morio, typical length 8-12mm - note size overlap. If in doubt, please retain a specimen for examination, male parameres are distinctive. This species is associated with forget-me-not (Myosotis sp.) particularly on light chalky soils with a warm open aspect. There is one generation per year and the new generation is complete by August. Feeds on forget-me-not seeds. Widespread but local in southern Britain, but probably overlooked due to its rather unobtrusive habits.
Wikipedia reference for Sehirus luctuosus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sehirus_luctuosus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is associated with forget-me-not (Myosotis sp.) particularly on light chalky soils with a warm open aspect.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There is one generation per year and the new generation is complete by August. Feeds on forget-me-not seeds.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but local in southern Britain, but probably overlooked due to its rather unobtrusive habits.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Sehirus luctuosus. 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 Forget-me-not Shieldbug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Forget-me-not Shieldbug
What is Forget-me-not Shieldbug?
Forget-me-not Shieldbug (Sehirus luctuosus) is a species in the family Cydnidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Forget-me-not Shieldbug?
5-8mm. A completely black shieldbug, sometimes with a bronzy sheen, wing membrane variable, light or dark. Margins of head and pronotum without bristles.
Where is Forget-me-not Shieldbug found?
Habitat: This species is associated with forget-me-not (Myosotis sp.) particularly on light chalky soils with a warm open aspect.
When is Forget-me-not Shieldbug active?
Forget-me-not Shieldbug: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Forget-me-not Shieldbug?
There is one generation per year and the new generation is complete by August. Feeds on forget-me-not seeds.