Scolopostethus pictus
This record describes Scolopostethus pictus (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 to 5 mm. Scolopostethus pictus is one of the largest species in the genus and the antennae are entirely pale or only slightly and gradually darkened towards the tip. Adults are usually macropterous and often have a rather brightly marked appearance in the field. The mesosternum lacks tubercles. Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species (a photograph alone is not normally sufficient because key features are too small or hidden). Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify this species. A photograph alone is not normally sufficient because key features are not obvious and there are one or more similar species. This species is usually found in litter piles, compost heaps or amongst plant debris. Adults can be found overwintering under bark. Scattered and local, in recent years it has become more frequent and is now particularly common in the London area. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Scolopostethus pictus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolopostethus_pictus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Lygaeidae (Dirt-colored Seed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Rhyparochrominae
- Tribe
- Drymini
- Genus
- Scolopostethus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is usually found in litter piles, compost heaps or amongst plant debris. Adults can be found overwintering under bark.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered and local, in recent years it has become more frequent and is now particularly common in the London area.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Scolopostethus pictus. 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 Scolopostethus pictus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scolopostethus pictus
What is Scolopostethus pictus?
Scolopostethus pictus is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Scolopostethus pictus?
4 to 5 mm.
Where is Scolopostethus pictus found?
Habitat: This species is usually found in litter piles, compost heaps or amongst plant debris. Adults can be found overwintering under bark.
When is Scolopostethus pictus active?
Scolopostethus pictus: seasonal activity - All year..