Symphylus caribbeanus
This record describes Symphylus caribbeanus (species). Recorded family: Scutelleridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
like most members of its subfamily, highly variable: easily confused with Stethaulax marmorata but head is more pointy; external features distinguishing the two are discussed in Wheeler ; 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=) pretty common in c TX. =v=
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
- Symphylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US (NC-FL-TX) to C. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , mostly TX, FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Nymphs and adults were observed in SC on fruits of yaupon ( Ilex vomitoria ; Aquifoliaceae) and in FL on fruits of Brazilian peppertree ( Schinus terebinthifolius ; Anacardiaceae); an adult was taken in GA on fruits of wax myrtle ( Morella cerifera ; Myricaceae). Most previously recorded plant associations might not refer to hosts that support nymphal development.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Symphylus caribbeanus Kirkaldy 1909
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Symphylus caribbeanus. 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 Symphylus caribbeanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Symphylus caribbeanus
What is Symphylus caribbeanus?
Symphylus caribbeanus is a species in the family Scutelleridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Symphylus caribbeanus?
like most members of its subfamily, highly variable: easily confused with Stethaulax marmorata but head is more pointy; external features distinguishing the two are discussed in Wheeler ; 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 Symphylus caribbeanus found?
Range: se US (NC-FL-TX) to C. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , mostly TX, FL
What does Symphylus caribbeanus eat?
The diet of the Symphylus caribbeanus includes Nymphs and adults were observed in SC on fruits of yaupon ( Ilex vomitoria ; Aquifoliaceae) and in FL on fruits of Brazilian peppertree ( Schinus terebinthifolius ; Anacardiaceae); an adult was taken in GA on fruits of wax myrtle ( Morella cerifera ; Myricaceae). Most previously recorded plant associations might not refer to hosts that support nymphal development..