Lethocerus medius
This record describes Lethocerus medius (species). Recorded family: Belostomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Legs | Legs banded. |
| Eyes | Eyes closer together than they are wide, and with rear margins roughly straight across as viewed from above (not distinctly slanted). Very similar to L. uhleri (ranges overlap in e. TX), differs in basal segment of hind tarsus wider, wider than interocular distance; metatibia more obviously curved on outer margin (nearly straight in L. uhleri ) |
Wikipedia reference for Lethocerus medius: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethocerus_medius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Nepoidea
- Family
- Belostomatidae (Giant Water Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Lethocerinae
- Genus
- Lethocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in the northernmost part of its range, desert environments (forests in the south)
Geographic Range
AZ to c. TX to Panama; W. Indies - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lethocerus medius (Guérin-Méneville 1857)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lethocerus medius. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lethocerus medius
What is Lethocerus medius?
Lethocerus medius is a species in the family Belostomatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Lethocerus medius?
♂ 49-58 mm, ♀ 62-63 mm
How do you identify Lethocerus medius?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Legs | Legs banded. |
| Eyes | Eyes closer together than they are wide, and with rear margins roughly straight across as viewed from above (not distinctly slanted). Very similar to L. uhleri (ranges overlap in e. TX), differs in basal segment of hind tarsus wider, wider than interocular distance; metatibia more obviously curved on outer margin (nearly straight in L. uhleri ) |
Where is Lethocerus medius found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in the northernmost part of its range, desert environments (forests in the south) |
| Range | AZ to c. TX to Panama; W. Indies - Map |