Metopoplax ditomoides
This record describes Metopoplax ditomoides (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small slender ground bug (3.5 - 4mm) with a dark and densely punctured pronotum and scutellum, and contrasting pale forewings. The pronotum is covered with short whitish hairs. Metapoplax fuscinerv i s has a bicoloured pronotum that is cream or pale brown to the rear. Photographs of a specimen or taken in the field, clearly showing thorax Dry grasslands and brownfield land, often associated with white flowered mayweeds Uncommon. Has recently become established in southern England and can be abundant in some years. British Bugs: https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/Metopoplax_ditomoides.html No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Metopoplax ditomoides: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metopoplax_ditomoides.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dry grasslands and brownfield land, often associated with white flowered mayweeds
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Uncommon. Has recently become established in southern England and can be abundant in some years.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Metopoplax ditomoides. 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 Metopoplax ditomoides (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Metopoplax ditomoides
What is Metopoplax ditomoides?
Metopoplax ditomoides is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Metopoplax ditomoides found?
Habitat: Dry grasslands and brownfield land, often associated with white flowered mayweeds
When is Metopoplax ditomoides active?
Metopoplax ditomoides: seasonal activity - All year..