Ochrostomus pulchellus
This record describes Ochrostomus pulchellus (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
habitus photos First US record from Key Largo, FL
Identification notes
habitus photos
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
- Ochrostomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.FL & s.TX (Nueces Co.) to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on Corchorus siliquosus (Tiliaceae) in FL ( 5 ) , and possibly on Corchorus hirtus in s. TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ochrostomus pulchellus (Fabricius 1794)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ochrostomus pulchellus. 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 Ochrostomus pulchellus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov , jbotz
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochrostomus pulchellus
What is Ochrostomus pulchellus?
Ochrostomus pulchellus is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Ochrostomus pulchellus?
habitus photos
Where is Ochrostomus pulchellus found?
Range: s.FL & s.TX (Nueces Co.) to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map
What does Ochrostomus pulchellus eat?
The diet of the Ochrostomus pulchellus includes on Corchorus siliquosus (Tiliaceae) in FL ( 5 ) , and possibly on Corchorus hirtus in s. TX.