Gampsocoris punctipes
This record describes Gampsocoris punctipes (species). Recorded family: Berytidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 to 5 mm. Distinctive bug with a dark head and pronotum, pale annulated legs and a greenish abdomen. There is a long spine on the scutellum. Good photographs showing key features required. Feeds on Restharrow ( Ononis spp.) and is particularly associated with Restharrow growing on sand. Adults overwinter, mating in the spring. The new generation is complete by August. Widespread in England and Wales though often coastal. https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Berytidae/gampsocoris_punctipes.html
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Feeds on Restharrow (
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults overwinter, mating in the spring. The new generation is complete by August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England and Wales though often coastal.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Gampsocoris punctipes. 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 Gampsocoris punctipes (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gampsocoris punctipes
What is Gampsocoris punctipes?
Gampsocoris punctipes is a species in the family Berytidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Gampsocoris punctipes?
4 to 5 mm. Distinctive bug with a dark head and pronotum, pale annulated legs and a greenish abdomen. There is a long spine on the scutellum.
Where is Gampsocoris punctipes found?
Habitat: Feeds on Restharrow (
When is Gampsocoris punctipes active?
Gampsocoris punctipes: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Gampsocoris punctipes?
Adults overwinter, mating in the spring. The new generation is complete by August.