HemipteraLygaeidae – Seed Bugs

Oncopeltus cayensis

This record describes Oncopeltus cayensis (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Oncopeltus cayensis - Oncopeltus cayensis
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

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
Oncopeltus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

so. FL / Bahamas

Seasonal Activity

yr round (BG data)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Commonly breeds on climbing milkweed ( Funastrum clausum )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Oncopeltus cayensis Torre-Bueno 1944

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Oncopeltus cayensis. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Oncopeltus cayensis (5)

Oncopeltus cayensis - photo 1
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Oncopeltus cayensis - photo 2
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Oncopeltus cayensis - photo 3
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Oncopeltus cayensis - photo 4
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Oncopeltus cayensis - photo 5
Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Oncopeltus cayensis

Where is Oncopeltus cayensis found?

Range: so. FL / Bahamas

What does Oncopeltus cayensis eat?

The diet of the Oncopeltus cayensis includes Commonly breeds on climbing milkweed ( Funastrum clausum ).

When is Oncopeltus cayensis active?

Oncopeltus cayensis: seasonal activity - yr round (BG data).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.