Graptopeltus lynceus
This record describes Graptopeltus lynceus (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large ground bug (6 to 7 mm) with a distinctive appearance, mainly associated with Viper's Bugloss. The pronotum has pale margins and there are two pale lines on the scutellum in a V-shape, and a dark spot of the forewings with a smaller pale spot to the rear. Good photographs taken in the field or from a specimen. Note habitat and associated plant species Sparsely vegetated grasslands, brownfield sites, old pits and quarries, etc. Often associated with Viper's Bugloss, but occasionally other plants in the Boraginaceae such as Forget-me-nots and Green Alkanet. Ns/Nb (Nationally Scarce/Notable B) - ref: British Heteroptera checklist 2021 , on British Bugs website https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/graptopeltus_lynceus.html No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sparsely vegetated grasslands, brownfield sites, old pits and quarries, etc. Often associated with Viper's Bugloss, but occasionally other plants in the Boraginaceae such as Forget-me-nots and Green Alkanet.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Ns/Nb (Nationally Scarce/Notable B) - ref:
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Graptopeltus lynceus. 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.
