Pine Cone Bug
Gastrodes grossipes
This record describes Gastrodes grossipes (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium to large red-brown bug with a broad, flattened body, associated with Scots Pine. The head, front of the pronotum and scutellum are dark. The rear margin of the pronotum is pale, but side margins are only pale in the rear part. Gastrodes abietum is associated with Norway Spruce; it is paler in colour and the side margins of the pronotum are pale throughout. It has not been recorded in VC55. Good photographs of a specimen or taken in the field, showing pronotum, and you should note habitat and associated tree species Common (ref: British Heteroptera checklist 2021 , on British Bugs website) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/Gastrodes_grossipes.html
Wikipedia reference for Gastrodes grossipes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrodes_grossipes.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Scots Pine.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common (ref:
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Gastrodes grossipes. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pine Cone Bug
What is Pine Cone Bug?
Pine Cone Bug (Gastrodes grossipes) is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Pine Cone Bug found?
Habitat: Scots Pine.
When is Pine Cone Bug active?
Pine Cone Bug: seasonal activity - All year round..