Stygnocoris sabulosus
This record describes Stygnocoris sabulosus (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2.5-3.0 mm. Stygnocoris species are small ground bugs in which the pronotum and forewings are covered in fine hairs. The pronotum is punctured throughout, and the front femora lack spines. S. sabulosus and the closely related S. fuligineus are very similar; this species is distinguished by the shiny aspect of the dorsal surface, the long erect pubescence and the entirely pale legs. It is always macropterous. Lasiosomus enervis is similar but the anterior half of the pronotum is unpunctured. Can be identified with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with. Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species. Favours dry habitats with chalky or sandy soils. Unlike most ground bugs, this species overwinters as eggs, which hatch in the spring, nymphs becoming adult by late summer. No additional images available for this species.
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
- Stygnocorini
- Genus
- Stygnocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Favours dry habitats with chalky or sandy soils.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: August-October
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Unlike most ground bugs, this species overwinters as eggs, which hatch in the spring, nymphs becoming adult by late summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout the UK.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stygnocoris sabulosus. 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 Stygnocoris sabulosus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stygnocoris sabulosus
What is Stygnocoris sabulosus?
Stygnocoris sabulosus is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Stygnocoris sabulosus?
2.5-3.0 mm. Stygnocoris species are small ground bugs in which the pronotum and forewings are covered in fine hairs. The pronotum is punctured throughout, and the front femora lack spines. S. sabulosus and the closely related S. fuligineus are very similar; this species is distinguished by the shiny aspect of the dorsal surface, the long erect pubescence and the entirely pale legs. It is always macropterous.
Where is Stygnocoris sabulosus found?
Habitat: Favours dry habitats with chalky or sandy soils.
When is Stygnocoris sabulosus active?
Stygnocoris sabulosus: seasonal activity - Adult: August-October.
What is the life cycle of a Stygnocoris sabulosus?
Unlike most ground bugs, this species overwinters as eggs, which hatch in the spring, nymphs becoming adult by late summer.