HemipteraPentatomidae – Stink Bugs

Holcostethus limbolarius

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

Identification and Appearance

Holcostethus limbolarius - Holcostethus limbolarius
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , Ron M. , v belov

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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Holcostethus limbolarius (2)

Holcostethus limbolarius - photo 1
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , Ron M. , v belov
Holcostethus limbolarius - photo 2
Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , Ron M. , v belov

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?
FeatureDetails
Habitatweedy fields, dry waste places, gardens - BWM
Rangewidely 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)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , Ron M. , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.