Trepobates pictus
This record describes Trepobates pictus (species). Recorded family: Gerridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
can be distinguished by the long pale lateral stripe on the mesonotum behind the dark lateral pronotal stripe. The pale stripe extends over the entire length of the segment. Slater and Baranowski considered it extremely variable. Front femora typically yellow with black streaks, with the remainder of the leg darker. Also, head is normally light-colored with a black mark in the middle. Trepobates pictus appears in both a winged and an unwinged form. Blatchley stated that Only a few fully winged individuals have been taken in this country, but in the West Indies and Venezuela that form is the prevailing one.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Gerroidea
- Family
- Gerridae (Water Striders)
- Subfamily
- Trepobatinae
- Genus
- Trepobates
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US and se. Canada; records outside this range are likely misidentifications
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trepobates pictus (Herrich-Schaeffer, 1847)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Trepobates pictus. 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 Trepobates pictus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Trepobates pictus
What is Trepobates pictus?
Trepobates pictus is a species in the family Gerridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Trepobates pictus?
can be distinguished by the long pale lateral stripe on the mesonotum behind the dark lateral pronotal stripe. The pale stripe extends over the entire length of the segment. Slater and Baranowski considered it extremely variable. Front femora typically yellow with black streaks, with the remainder of the leg darker. Also, head is normally light-colored with a black mark in the middle.
Where is Trepobates pictus found?
Range: e US and se. Canada; records outside this range are likely misidentifications