Melanopleurus belfragei
This record describes Melanopleurus belfragei (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
I have seen specimens labeled Melanopleurus bicolor H.-S. (described from Brazil) that look just like M. belfragei . (Merrill Sweet, pers. comm.)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Lygaeidae (Seed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Lygaeinae
- Genus
- Melanopleurus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (s.CA to c.TX, CO-UT) / to s. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds on Asteraceae (Merrill Sweet, pers. comm.)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Melanopleurus belfragei (Stål 1874)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Melanopleurus belfragei. 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 Melanopleurus belfragei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanopleurus belfragei
What is Melanopleurus belfragei?
Melanopleurus belfragei is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Melanopleurus belfragei found?
Range: sw US (s.CA to c.TX, CO-UT) / to s. Mex. - Map
What does Melanopleurus belfragei eat?
The diet of the Melanopleurus belfragei includes Feeds on Asteraceae (Merrill Sweet, pers. comm.).