Lupine Bug
Megalotomus quinquespinosus
This record describes Megalotomus quinquespinosus (species). Recorded family: Alydidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
note pale base to antennal clubs (not strictly diagnostic), tip of scutellum white, base of hind femora pale
Wikipedia reference for Megalotomus quinquespinosus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalotomus_quinquespinosus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Coreoidea
- Family
- Alydidae (Broad-headed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Alydinae
- Genus
- Megalotomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Edges of deciduous woods
Geographic Range
widely dist. across Canada and the US - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: known hosts include mostly legumes, e.g. Baptisia, Ceanothus, Oxytropis, Lupinus, Rhus, Desmodium, Lathyrus venosus , soybeans ( 4 )
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalotomus quinquespinosus. 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 Lupine Bug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lupine Bug
What is Lupine Bug?
Lupine Bug (Megalotomus quinquespinosus) is a species in the family Alydidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Lupine Bug?
14-16 mm
How do you identify Lupine Bug?
note pale base to antennal clubs (not strictly diagnostic), tip of scutellum white, base of hind femora pale
Where is Lupine Bug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Edges of deciduous woods |
| Range | widely dist. across Canada and the US - Map |
What does Lupine Bug eat?
The diet of the Lupine Bug includes known hosts include mostly legumes, e.g. Baptisia, Ceanothus, Oxytropis, Lupinus, Rhus, Desmodium, Lathyrus venosus , soybeans ( 4 ).