Parent Bug
Elasmucha grisea
This record describes Elasmucha grisea (species). Recorded family: Acanthosomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7-9 mm. A medium-sized red/brown shieldbug. There is usually an obvious black patch on the scutellum. This species overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The smaller male dies soon after, but the female survives for some time, brooding the eggs and young larvae, which feed on Birch and Alder. New adults may be found from August onwards. Common and widespread across Britain and Ireland.
Wikipedia reference for Elasmucha grisea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parent_bug.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Acanthosomatidae
- Genus
- Elasmucha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Birch and Alder trees.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The smaller male dies soon after, but the female survives for some time, brooding the eggs and young larvae, which feed on Birch and Alder. New adults may be found from August onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread across Britain and Ireland.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Elasmucha grisea. 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 Parent Bug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parent Bug
What is Parent Bug?
Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea) is a species in the family Acanthosomatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Parent Bug?
7-9 mm. A medium-sized red/brown shieldbug. There is usually an obvious black patch on the scutellum.
Where is Parent Bug found?
Habitat: Birch and Alder trees.
When is Parent Bug active?
Parent Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year..
What is the life cycle of a Parent Bug?
This species overwinters as an adult, emerging and mating in the spring. The smaller male dies soon after, but the female survives for some time, brooding the eggs and young larvae, which feed on Birch and Alder. New adults may be found from August onwards.