Mecidea major
This record describes Mecidea major (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
spiracles often darkened ; male antennomere II longer than III
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pentatominae
- Tribe
- Mecideini
- Genus
- Mecidea (Narrow Stink Bug)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
MN, so.IL‒KS to TX‒AZ to Nicaragua ( 3 ) Possibly also established in FL (one prior record, 1988): specimens collected from cultivated Cenchrus setaceus in St.Petersburg sent to FSCA were identified as M. major . ‒AWM
Seasonal Activity
Apr‒Jan, peak Jul‒Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: grasses, incl. sideoats grama ; some records on Asteraceae ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mecidea major Sailer 1952
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Mecidea major. 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 Mecidea major (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Andrew Meeds , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecidea major
What is Mecidea major?
Mecidea major is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Mecidea major?
9.5‒12.7 mm
How do you identify Mecidea major?
spiracles often darkened ; male antennomere II longer than III
Where is Mecidea major found?
Range: MN, so.IL‒KS to TX‒AZ to Nicaragua ( 3 ) Possibly also established in FL (one prior record, 1988): specimens collected from cultivated Cenchrus setaceus in St.Petersburg sent to FSCA were identified as M. major . ‒AWM
What does Mecidea major eat?
The diet of the Mecidea major includes grasses, incl. sideoats grama ; some records on Asteraceae ( 4 ).
When is Mecidea major active?
Mecidea major: seasonal activity - Apr‒Jan, peak Jul‒Oct.