Paragonatas divergens
This record describes Paragonatas divergens (species). Recorded family: Rhyparochromidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
the most common lethaeine in the New World (O’Donnell 1986) yet unknown in the US until recently, although it has been intercepted numerous times on imported commodities in FL, TX, CA, and 5 other states (Dobbs & Brambila 2004)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Rhyparochromidae (Dirt-colored Seed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Rhyparochrominae
- Tribe
- Lethaeini
- Genus
- Paragonatas
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron Co.) & s. FL to S. America, W. Indies - Map , mostly s. TX to C. Amer. 1st confirmed US record: Key Largo, FL, Jan 1991 (light trap); 1st record in TX: Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville Oct 2013 (Dobbs & Brambila 2004, Dobbs & Henry 2008, BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Jan-Apr in FL (Dobbs & Henry 2008)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
An ubiquitous ground-dwelling species in the West Indies that apparently feeds on fallen seed of a variety of plants characteristic of old field habitats
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Paragonatas divergens. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paragonatas divergens
What is Paragonatas divergens?
Paragonatas divergens is a species in the family Rhyparochromidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Paragonatas divergens found?
Range: southmost TX (Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron Co.) & s. FL to S. America, W. Indies - Map , mostly s. TX to C. Amer. 1st confirmed US record: Key Largo, FL, Jan 1991 (light trap); 1st record in TX: Sabal Palm Sanctuary, Brownsville Oct 2013 (Dobbs & Brambila 2004, Dobbs & Henry 2008, BG data)
When is Paragonatas divergens active?
Paragonatas divergens: seasonal activity - Jan-Apr in FL (Dobbs & Henry 2008).
What is the life cycle of a Paragonatas divergens?
An ubiquitous ground-dwelling species in the West Indies that apparently feeds on fallen seed of a variety of plants characteristic of old field habitats