Metacanthus tenellus
This record describes Metacanthus tenellus (species). Recorded family: Berytidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
from specimens taken in Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX, the legs and basal antennal segment are conspicuously speckled (emphasis added) with black and the distal antennal segments are dark with pale apices. iNaturalist First US records taken in Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX by Doctor Beamer and his colleagues in August 1928, and June 1938. It has not been regularly seen in Texas since.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Berytidae (Stilt Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Metacanthinae
- Genus
- Metacanthus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. FL, s. TX to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Metacanthus tenellus Stal, 1859
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Metacanthus tenellus. 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 Metacanthus tenellus
What is Metacanthus tenellus?
Metacanthus tenellus is a species in the family Berytidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Metacanthus tenellus?
from specimens taken in Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX, the legs and basal antennal segment are conspicuously speckled (emphasis added) with black and the distal antennal segments are dark with pale apices. iNaturalist
Where is Metacanthus tenellus found?
Range: s. FL, s. TX to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map