Sphyrocoris obliquus
This record describes Sphyrocoris obliquus (species). Recorded family: Scutelleridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
one of the most common scutellerids in FL; common throughout much of its range
Wikipedia reference for Sphyrocoris obliquus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphyrocoris_obliquus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Pentatomoidea
- Family
- Scutelleridae (Shield-backed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Pachycorinae
- Genus
- Sphyrocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so. US (CA-TX, FL-SC) to Columbia & Venezuela; W. Indies
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from a great variety of plants but Bidens (Asteraceae) seems to be the preferred host
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphyrocoris obliquus (Germar 1839)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Sphyrocoris obliquus. 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 Sphyrocoris obliquus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tom Bentley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphyrocoris obliquus
What is Sphyrocoris obliquus?
Sphyrocoris obliquus is a species in the family Scutelleridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Sphyrocoris obliquus?
♂ 6.2-10.0 mm, ♀ 7.5-10.2 mm
Where is Sphyrocoris obliquus found?
Range: so. US (CA-TX, FL-SC) to Columbia & Venezuela; W. Indies
What does Sphyrocoris obliquus eat?
The diet of the Sphyrocoris obliquus includes reported from a great variety of plants but Bidens (Asteraceae) seems to be the preferred host.