Sciocoris longifrons
This record describes Sciocoris longifrons (species). Recorded family: Pentatomidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: 2 males coll'ed by J. D. Mitchell on 18 Nov 1907, Victoria, Texas. Other paratypes per Barber: C.V. Riley reported(*) 4 from Tex (2 males, 2 females); Belfrage coll'ed one from Tex [possibly around Gatesville, TX]; and one from Austin, Tex. To these records, we can add: two reported from Zilker Gardens, Austin, Travis Co., Texas (BG data) one coll'ed in Medina Co., Texas plus 6 spmns in the TAMUIC from Boca Chica, Cameron Co.; College Station, Brazos Co.; and Junction, Kimble Co. (*)I don't believe C.V. Riley was ever in Texas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Pentatomidae (Stink Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pentatominae
- Tribe
- Sciocorini
- Genus
- Sciocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The European Sciocoris are subterranean. They are evidently root feeders. Would explain why they are so rare in collections. (D. Thomas, pers. comm. 2017 to MAQ)
Geographic Range
n. to s. TX (Wichita Falls to Junction to College Station to Boca Chica) (Barber 1933)(BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Apr, Jun, Nov (Barber 1933) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
When threatened, this little bug curls up its legs and plays dead. It looks like a brown seed or piece of dirt. ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sciocoris longifrons Barber 1933
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Sciocoris longifrons. 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 Sciocoris longifrons (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sciocoris longifrons
What is Sciocoris longifrons?
Sciocoris longifrons is a species in the family Pentatomidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Sciocoris longifrons?
7.4 mm (Barber 1933)
Where is Sciocoris longifrons found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The European Sciocoris are subterranean. They are evidently root feeders. Would explain why they are so rare in collections. (D. Thomas, pers. comm. 2017 to MAQ) |
| Range | n. to s. TX (Wichita Falls to Junction to College Station to Boca Chica) (Barber 1933)(BG data) |
When is Sciocoris longifrons active?
Sciocoris longifrons: seasonal activity - Apr, Jun, Nov (Barber 1933) (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Sciocoris longifrons?
When threatened, this little bug curls up its legs and plays dead. It looks like a brown seed or piece of dirt. ( 5 )