Myakka Bug
Ischnodemus variegatus
This record describes Ischnodemus variegatus (species). Recorded family: Blissidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
first collected in the US in Sarasota Co., FL 21.ix.2000
Wikipedia reference for Ischnodemus variegatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ischnodemus_variegatus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Marshes with Hymenachne amplexicaulis
Geographic Range
adventive to c.FL - Map [cite:185010] , native to Central and South America
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Jan
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds on invasive West Indian marsh grass ( Hymenachne amplexicaulis ).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ischnodemus variegatus (Signoret 1857)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ischnodemus variegatus. 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 Myakka Bug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sean McCann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Myakka Bug
What is Myakka Bug?
Myakka Bug (Ischnodemus variegatus) is a species in the family Blissidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Myakka Bug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Marshes with Hymenachne amplexicaulis |
| Range | adventive to c.FL - Map [cite:185010] , native to Central and South America |
What does Myakka Bug eat?
The diet of the Myakka Bug includes Feeds on invasive West Indian marsh grass ( Hymenachne amplexicaulis )..
When is Myakka Bug active?
Myakka Bug: seasonal activity - Jul-Jan.