HemipteraScutelleridae – Shield-backed Bugs

Stethaulax marmorata

This record describes Stethaulax marmorata (species). Recorded family: Scutelleridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Stethaulax marmorata - Stethaulax marmorata
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

easily confused with Symphylus caribbeanus but head is rather rounded, less pointy; external features distinguishing the two are discussed in ; however, the easiest way to tell the two apart offhand seems to be the profile view, with the dorsum evenly convex in St. marmorata vs humpy, front-heavy in Sy. caribbeanus : (=v=) immature stages described in Walt & McPherson

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
Stethaulax

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e. & so.US (NY-FL to IL-TX-s.CA)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Host plants include several sumac spp. ( Rhus , Anacardiaceae); some Cupressaceae; and possibly several other plants where it's been collected

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Stethaulax marmorata (Say 1832)

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stethaulax marmorata. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Stethaulax marmorata (5)

Stethaulax marmorata - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Stethaulax marmorata - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Stethaulax marmorata - photo 3
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Stethaulax marmorata - photo 4
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Stethaulax marmorata - photo 5
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Stethaulax marmorata

What is Stethaulax marmorata?

Stethaulax marmorata is a species in the family Scutelleridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Stethaulax marmorata?

6‒8.7 mm

How do you identify Stethaulax marmorata?

easily confused with Symphylus caribbeanus but head is rather rounded, less pointy; external features distinguishing the two are discussed in ; however, the easiest way to tell the two apart offhand seems to be the profile view, with the dorsum evenly convex in St. marmorata vs humpy, front-heavy in Sy. caribbeanus : (=v=)

Where is Stethaulax marmorata found?

Range: e. & so.US (NY-FL to IL-TX-s.CA)

What does Stethaulax marmorata eat?

The diet of the Stethaulax marmorata includes Host plants include several sumac spp. ( Rhus , Anacardiaceae); some Cupressaceae; and possibly several other plants where it's been collected.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.