Holcostethus limbolarius
This record describes Holcostethus limbolarius (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

compact oval body, dark brown dappled with black; small short head; humeral angles rounded; large triangular scutellum w/ pale apical tip; pronotum and elytra with thin cream-colored margin (emphasis added) - BWM dark apical ant. segments, w/ reddish basal segments Det. v belov, 2014 Type Locality: Texas
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pentatominae
- Tribe
- Carpocorini
- Genus
- Holcostethus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
weedy fields, dry waste places, gardens - BWM
Geographic Range
widely dist. (NS-BC to GA-CA) / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jan-Dec
Diet and Behavior
Life History
See Oetting & Yonke (1971)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Holcostethus limbolarius (Stål 1872)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Holcostethus limbolarius. 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 Holcostethus limbolarius (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , Ron M. , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Holcostethus limbolarius
What is Holcostethus limbolarius?
Holcostethus limbolarius is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Holcostethus limbolarius?
7.0-9.0 mm
How do you identify Holcostethus limbolarius?
compact oval body, dark brown dappled with black; small short head; humeral angles rounded; large triangular scutellum w/ pale apical tip; pronotum and elytra with thin cream-colored margin (emphasis added) - BWM dark apical ant. segments, w/ reddish basal segments Det. v belov, 2014
Where is Holcostethus limbolarius found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | weedy fields, dry waste places, gardens - BWM |
| Range | widely dist. (NS-BC to GA-CA) / Mex. - Map |
When is Holcostethus limbolarius active?
Holcostethus limbolarius: seasonal activity - Jan-Dec.
What is the life cycle of a Holcostethus limbolarius?
See Oetting & Yonke (1971)
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