Ochterus banksi
This record describes Ochterus banksi (species). Recorded family: Ochteridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

pronotal collar smooth, lacking teeth; lobe present near inner side of the flattened part of pronotum
Wikipedia reference for Ochterus banksi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochterus_banksi.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Ochteroidea
- Family
- Ochteridae (Velvety Shore Bugs)
- Genus
- Ochterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
shore lines, where they may occur in the open or among grasses ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e. US (MI–PA–FL to KS–TX) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ochterus banksi Barber 1913
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ochterus banksi. 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 Ochterus banksi (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochterus banksi
What is Ochterus banksi?
Ochterus banksi is a species in the family Ochteridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Ochterus banksi?
♂ 4.10–4.60 mm, ♀ 4.35–5.20 mm
How do you identify Ochterus banksi?
pronotal collar smooth, lacking teeth; lobe present near inner side of the flattened part of pronotum
Where is Ochterus banksi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | shore lines, where they may occur in the open or among grasses ( 3 ) |
| Range | e. US (MI–PA–FL to KS–TX) - Map |
FROM LOOKING IT UP TO GETTING TO KNOW IT
Make sense of the bugs at home.50 household bug profiles for you. Photos, coloring, and activities for curious kids.



