Hoplistoscelis sericans
This record describes Hoplistoscelis sericans (species). Recorded family: Nabidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of four Hoplistoscelis species in the eastern states: H. pallescens (widespread) and H. confusa (southern states) are indistinguishable except for the male and female genitalia . H. hubbelli from Tennessee is also compared to H. pallescens (as N. (H.) sordidus ). In all three, the profemur is at least 4 times as long as thick and in at least the first two species the scape is longer than the width of the head across the eyes. These conditions contrast the shorter scape and the shorter, thicker profemur of H. sericans . The roseate tinge of the hemelytra may be a key visual feature for macropterous individuals of this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Nabidae (Damsel Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Nabinae
- Tribe
- Nabini
- Genus
- Hoplistoscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas .
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Hoplistoscelis sericans. 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 Hoplistoscelis sericans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by drswanny
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoplistoscelis sericans
What is Hoplistoscelis sericans?
Hoplistoscelis sericans is a species in the family Nabidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Hoplistoscelis sericans?
6-8 mm
How do you identify Hoplistoscelis sericans?
One of four Hoplistoscelis species in the eastern states: H. pallescens (widespread) and H. confusa (southern states) are indistinguishable except for the male and female genitalia . H. hubbelli from Tennessee is also compared to H. pallescens (as N. (H.) sordidus ). In all three, the profemur is at least 4 times as long as thick and in at least the first two species the scape is longer than the width of the head across the eyes. These conditions contrast the shorter scape and the shorter, thicker profemur of H. sericans . The roseate tinge of the hemelytra may be a key visual feature for macropterous individuals of this species.
Where is Hoplistoscelis sericans found?
Range: Known from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas .