Big-Eyed Toad Bug
Gelastocoris oculatus
This record describes Gelastocoris oculatus (species). Recorded family: Gelastocoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
coloration extremely variable
Wikipedia reference for Gelastocoris oculatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelastocoris_oculatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Ochteroidea
- Family
- Gelastocoridae (Toad Bugs)
- Genus
- Gelastocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
muddy shores of streams and lakes
Geographic Range
throughout the contiguous US and in so. Canada (ON, MB); Mexico
Seasonal Activity
spring through fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gelastocoris oculatus Fabricius 1798
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Gelastocoris oculatus. 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 Big-Eyed Toad Bug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by cotinis , Robin McLeod , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Big-Eyed Toad Bug
How big is Big-Eyed Toad Bug?
6-9 mm
How do you identify Big-Eyed Toad Bug?
coloration extremely variable
Where is Big-Eyed Toad Bug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | muddy shores of streams and lakes |
| Range | throughout the contiguous US and in so. Canada (ON, MB); Mexico |
When is Big-Eyed Toad Bug active?
Big-Eyed Toad Bug: seasonal activity - spring through fall.