Oebalus insularis
This record describes Oebalus insularis (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
O. insularis vs O. ypsilongriseus : O. ypsilongriseus has a second segment that is shorter than and hardly articulated on the third. O. insularis has a normal length second segment which is nearly as long as the third and generally articulates at the junction with the third (Joe Eger, pers.comm. to A. Meeds 8.iv.2019) Rice pest, first observed in Florida rice fields in 2007
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pentatominae
- Tribe
- Carpocorini
- Genus
- Oebalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL, Mesoamerica, W.Indies, Colombia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oebalus insularis (Stål 1872)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Oebalus insularis. 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 Oebalus insularis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Alan Jeon; Additional contributions by Andrew Meeds , v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Oebalus insularis
What is Oebalus insularis?
Oebalus insularis is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Oebalus insularis?
O. insularis vs O. ypsilongriseus : O. ypsilongriseus has a second segment that is shorter than and hardly articulated on the third. O. insularis has a normal length second segment which is nearly as long as the third and generally articulates at the junction with the third (Joe Eger, pers.comm. to A. Meeds 8.iv.2019)
Where is Oebalus insularis found?
Range: FL, Mesoamerica, W.Indies, Colombia