Sphragisticus nebulosus
This record describes Sphragisticus nebulosus (species). Recorded family: Rhyparochromidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Slater (1974) considers S. nebulosus a Holarctic element in the Northeast fauna; in the same list he clearly indicates other species as introduced. I don't know why he and Dick might have thought otherwise a few years later ( 3 ) . Slater also states that the question of whether some of our species which occur in Eurasia and North America are the result of natural dispersal or whether they have been artificially introduced by man in modern times is often extremely difficult to answer. I suppose modern genetic techniques might be able to shed some light on the question ‒ it would make a good Ph.D. project ‒ there are enough species to make comparisons. ‒Jane O'Donnell, pers. comm. to =v= (26.i.2012)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Rhyparochromidae (Dirt-colored Seed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Rhyparochrominae
- Tribe
- Megalonotini
- Genus
- Sphragisticus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
abundant in arable disturbed habitats such as the margins of cultivated fields ( 3 )
Geographic Range
Holarctic , transcontinental in NA (AK‒NB to Mexico)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphragisticus nebulosus (Fallén 1807)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Sphragisticus nebulosus. 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 Sphragisticus nebulosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphragisticus nebulosus
What is Sphragisticus nebulosus?
Sphragisticus nebulosus is a species in the family Rhyparochromidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Sphragisticus nebulosus?
4.5‒5.5 mm
Where is Sphragisticus nebulosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | abundant in arable disturbed habitats such as the margins of cultivated fields ( 3 ) |
| Range | Holarctic , transcontinental in NA (AK‒NB to Mexico) |