Homaemus aeneifrons
This record describes Homaemus aeneifrons (species). Recorded family: Scutelleridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
■ SECTION NEEDS REVISION ■ lack of yellowish submarginal stripe on head is diagnostic for eastern specimens. The subspecies restricted to the west, H. aenifrons consors typically has the yellow stripe. H. bijugis is smaller (5.7‒8 mm), has yellowish submarginal stripe on head, and in Canada is restricted to the west (MB‒BC)(see species page at U. of Alberta ). Some workers have synonymized H. aenifrons consors and H. bijugis , further confusing matters.; H. parvulus has yellow pubescence on head (lacking in H. aenifrons ) and in Canada is restricted to BC
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Scutelleridae (Shield-backed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pachycorinae
- Genus
- Homaemus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
weeds, sedges, and swampy meadows as well as dry habitats
Geographic Range
transcontinental (AK‒NL to CA‒NM‒NC) based on older sources, e. NA (NS‒MB to NC‒KS) ; in Canada: H. a. aenifrons NS‒MB; H. a. consors SK‒BC‒YK‒AK
Seasonal Activity
spring through fall; overwinter as adults ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Carex & Juncus spp. ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Homaemus aeneifrons (Say 1824)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Homaemus aeneifrons. 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 Homaemus aeneifrons (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Andrew Meeds , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Homaemus aeneifrons
What is Homaemus aeneifrons?
Homaemus aeneifrons is a species in the family Scutelleridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Homaemus aeneifrons?
7‒9 mm
How do you identify Homaemus aeneifrons?
■ SECTION NEEDS REVISION ■ lack of yellowish submarginal stripe on head is diagnostic for eastern specimens. The subspecies restricted to the west, H. aenifrons consors typically has the yellow stripe. H. bijugis is smaller (5.7‒8 mm), has yellowish submarginal stripe on head, and in Canada is restricted to the west (MB‒BC)(see species page at U. of Alberta ). Some workers have synonymized H. aenifrons consors and H. bijugis , further confusing matters.; H. parvulus has yellow pubescence on head (lacking in H. aenifrons ) and in Canada is restricted to BC
Where is Homaemus aeneifrons found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | weeds, sedges, and swampy meadows as well as dry habitats |
| Range | transcontinental (AK‒NL to CA‒NM‒NC) based on older sources, e. NA (NS‒MB to NC‒KS) ; in Canada: H. a. aenifrons NS‒MB; H. a. consors SK‒BC‒YK‒AK |
What does Homaemus aeneifrons eat?
The diet of the Homaemus aeneifrons includes hosts: Carex & Juncus spp. ( 5 ).
When is Homaemus aeneifrons active?
Homaemus aeneifrons: seasonal activity - spring through fall; overwinter as adults ( 4 ).