Harmostes serratus
This record describes Harmostes serratus (species). Recorded family: Rhopalidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished from the nearctic congeners by the serrate lateral margin of the pronotum (other species may have very weakly denticulate margins, but in these species it is restricted to the anterior half of the margin)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Coreoidea
- Family
- Rhopalidae (Scentless Plant Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Rhopalinae
- Tribe
- Harmostini
- Genus
- Harmostes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL-GA, some TX coastal records; W. Indies, Mexico to S. America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Harmostes serratus (Fabricius 1794)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Harmostes serratus. 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 Harmostes serratus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by drswanny; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Harmostes serratus
What is Harmostes serratus?
Harmostes serratus is a species in the family Rhopalidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Harmostes serratus?
6‒8 mm
How do you identify Harmostes serratus?
distinguished from the nearctic congeners by the serrate lateral margin of the pronotum (other species may have very weakly denticulate margins, but in these species it is restricted to the anterior half of the margin)
Where is Harmostes serratus found?
Range: FL-GA, some TX coastal records; W. Indies, Mexico to S. America