Heterogaster flavicosta
This record describes Heterogaster flavicosta (species). Recorded family: Heterogastridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality : Victoria, Texas, X.5.1908, J.D. Mitchell The remaining paratypes are as follows: Males: 3, Victoria, Tex., February 25, 1913 (J. D. Mitchell) and 1, January 14 (L. L. Scott, Quaintance, No. 6181); 1, Devil's River, Tex., May 2, 1907 (Bishopp and Pratt). Females: 2, Victoria, Tex., March 10 (E. A. Schwarz); 1, February 25, 1913, and 1, February 29, 1916, under willow bark (J. D. Mitchell); 1, January 14 (L. L. Scott, Quaintance No. 6181); 1, Corpus Christi, Tex, April 19, 1907 (C. S. Spooner), 1, San Diego, Tex., May 2 and 1, Devil’s River, Tex., May 3, 1907 (E. A. Schwarz); 1, Opelousas, La., March, 1897 (F. Baker). (Barber 1939)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Heterogastridae
- Genus
- Heterogaster
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. to n.TX to w.LA - Map (Barber 1939)
Seasonal Activity
Jan-May, Oct (Barber 1939) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Heterogaster flavicosta Barber, 1939
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Heterogaster flavicosta. 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 Heterogaster flavicosta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Heterogaster flavicosta
What is Heterogaster flavicosta?
Heterogaster flavicosta is a species in the family Heterogastridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Heterogaster flavicosta?
6.0-7.0 mm (Barber 1939)
Where is Heterogaster flavicosta found?
Range: s. to n.TX to w.LA - Map (Barber 1939)
When is Heterogaster flavicosta active?
Heterogaster flavicosta: seasonal activity - Jan-May, Oct (Barber 1939) ( 4 ).