Geocoris punctipes
This record describes Geocoris punctipes (species). Recorded family: Geocoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head with a fine, medial groove extending all the way from base of antennae to hind edge of head (see lead 1" in key at bottom of page here from Barber ) Scutellum with lateral callosities (emphasis added), which are evident as small distinct areas without punctation here (see lead C in key from McAtee ) Det. v belov, 2024 Promising control agent against insects on soybean, sorghum, cotton, etc.
Wikipedia reference for Geocoris punctipes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocoris_punctipes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Geocoridae (Big-eyed Bugs)
- Genus
- Geocoris (Big-eyed Bugs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
commonly associated with Mexican tea ( Dysphania (=Chenopodium) ambrosioides , Chenopodiaceae) ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e. US to s.Calif. (NY-FL to IL-CA) / Mex. to Columbia / Bahamas - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Geocoris punctipes (Say 1832)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Geocoris 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 Geocoris punctipes (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , v belov , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Geocoris punctipes
What is Geocoris punctipes?
Geocoris punctipes is a species in the family Geocoridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Geocoris punctipes?
Head with a fine, medial groove extending all the way from base of antennae to hind edge of head (see lead 1" in key at bottom of page here from Barber ) Scutellum with lateral callosities (emphasis added), which are evident as small distinct areas without punctation here (see lead C in key from McAtee ) Det. v belov, 2024
Where is Geocoris punctipes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | commonly associated with Mexican tea ( Dysphania (=Chenopodium) ambrosioides , Chenopodiaceae) ( 3 ) |
| Range | e. US to s.Calif. (NY-FL to IL-CA) / Mex. to Columbia / Bahamas - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) |