Saucer Bug
Ilyocoris cimicoides
This record describes Ilyocoris cimicoides (species). Recorded family: Naucoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size: 15 mm. The Saucer Bug has a flat, oval shaped body with a dark back and silvery underside created by the air bubble held there while underwater. It also has a distinctive pair of horn like front legs. Spends much of its time hiding in dense vegetation in muddy pond shallows. A very able predator, feasting on all manner of insects which cross its path. Its fearsome looking front legs are like a powerful and razor sharp claw. Widespread and fairly common throughout England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Naucoridae
- Genus
- Ilyocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Spends much of its time hiding in dense vegetation in muddy pond shallows.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A very able predator, feasting on all manner of insects which cross its path. Its fearsome looking front legs are like a powerful and razor sharp claw.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common throughout England and Wales.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ilyocoris cimicoides. 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 Saucer Bug
What is Saucer Bug?
Saucer Bug (Ilyocoris cimicoides) is a species in the family Naucoridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Saucer Bug?
15 mm. The Saucer Bug has a flat, oval shaped body with a dark back and silvery underside created by the air bubble held there while underwater. It also has a distinctive pair of horn like front legs.
Where is Saucer Bug found?
Habitat: Spends much of its time hiding in dense vegetation in muddy pond shallows.
When is Saucer Bug active?
Saucer Bug: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Saucer Bug?
A very able predator, feasting on all manner of insects which cross its path. Its fearsome looking front legs are like a powerful and razor sharp claw.