Rhopalus subrufus
This record describes Rhopalus subrufus (species). Recorded family: Rhopalidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 to 7.5 mm. This genus comprises four species in the UK; all are rather hairy bugs with largely membranous forewings, which are usually reddish in colour. R. subrufus can be distinguished by the alternate dark and light bands on the connexivum, and the whitish tip to the scutellum which ends in two points (bifid). The other Rhopalus species are similar, but rarely or not recorded in VC55. This species is relatively easy to identify from a photograph. Often found on low vegetation in scrubby areas and woodland clearings. It is associated with many plants, particularly St John's-wort ( Hypericum ). Overwinters as an adult, the new generation appearing in August.
Wikipedia reference for Rhopalus subrufus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhopalus_subrufus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Rhopalidae
- Genus
- Rhopalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found on low vegetation in scrubby areas and woodland clearings. It is associated with many plants, particularly St John's-wort (
Seasonal Activity
Adult: all year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as an adult, the new generation appearing in August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed in southern Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Rhopalus subrufus. 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 Rhopalus subrufus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhopalus subrufus
What is Rhopalus subrufus?
Rhopalus subrufus is a species in the family Rhopalidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Rhopalus subrufus?
7 to 7.5 mm. This genus comprises four species in the UK; all are rather hairy bugs with largely membranous forewings, which are usually reddish in colour.
Where is Rhopalus subrufus found?
Habitat: Often found on low vegetation in scrubby areas and woodland clearings. It is associated with many plants, particularly St John's-wort (
When is Rhopalus subrufus active?
Rhopalus subrufus: seasonal activity - Adult: all year..
What is the life cycle of a Rhopalus subrufus?
Overwinters as an adult, the new generation appearing in August.