Geocoris thoracicus
This record describes Geocoris thoracicus (species). Recorded family: Geocoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The markings of the pronotum are of an extremely variable character. Fieber’s type, or typical specimen, which I have been afforded an opportunity of examining, agrees more closely with my fig. 16, which, with fig. 15, may be taken as representative of the extreme varietal forms. The course of this variation appears to extend from specimens in which the disk of the pronotum is almost wholly black, with a small luteous fascia both on anterior and posterior margins, through others in which these paler fasciae are increased anteriorly and posteriorly till they meet and thus form one continuous and dividing longitudinal fascia. - BCA: Pg. 198 Fig. 16: Fig. 15: see also habitus photo (p.438) Type Locality: Venezuela
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
Geographic Range
s. TX (Hidalgo, Cameron, Kleberg, & Nueces counties) to Venezuela / W.Indies - Map , uncommon
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Geocoris thoracicus (Fieber 1861)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Geocoris thoracicus. 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 thoracicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Geocoris thoracicus
What is Geocoris thoracicus?
Geocoris thoracicus is a species in the family Geocoridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Geocoris thoracicus?
Length: 3.3 mm (BG data)
How do you identify Geocoris thoracicus?
The markings of the pronotum are of an extremely variable character. Fieber’s type, or typical specimen, which I have been afforded an opportunity of examining, agrees more closely with my fig. 16, which, with fig. 15, may be taken as representative of the extreme varietal forms. The course of this variation appears to extend from specimens in which the disk of the pronotum is almost wholly black, with a small luteous fascia both on anterior and posterior margins, through others in which these paler fasciae are increased anteriorly and posteriorly till they meet and thus form one continuous and dividing longitudinal fascia. - BCA: Pg. 198 Fig. 16: Fig. 15: see also habitus photo (p.438)
Where is Geocoris thoracicus found?
Range: s. TX (Hidalgo, Cameron, Kleberg, & Nueces counties) to Venezuela / W.Indies - Map , uncommon