HemipteraHebridae – Velvet Water Bugs

Lipogomphus brevis

This record describes Lipogomphus brevis (species). Recorded family: Hebridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Lipogomphus brevis - Lipogomphus brevis
Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Heteroptera
Superfamily
Hebroidea
Family
Hebridae (Velvet Water Bugs)
Genus
Lipogomphus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

salt marshes and brackish/saline habitats

Geographic Range

the only species present in the se.US

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Lipogomphus brevis (Champion 1898)

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lipogomphus brevis. 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 →

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.