Explanation of Names
SHIELD BUG: refers to the general shape of the body
PARENT BUG: refers to the maternal care provided to eggs and young
ACANTHOSOMATIDAE: from the Greek "akantha" (spine or thorn) + "soma" (body) - a reference to the elongate spine on the ventral surface of the abdomen
Numbers
5 species in 2 genera in North America (
nearctica.com)
180 species in 47 genera worldwide
Identification
The 2-segmented tarsi distinguish this family from the similar Pentatomidae (which have 3-segmented tarsi)
Range
throughout North America and the world
Habitat
on woody plants in woodlands, parks
Food
foliage of a wide variety of trees and shrubs
Life Cycle
overwinters as adult under leaf litter, bark, etc.
eggs laid on leaves in spring
Remarks
formerly considered a subfamily of Pentatomidae
maternal care is provided to eggs and early instars - hence the common name of Parent Bug
Internet References
taxonomic history plus biology and other info (Australian Government)
description (North Dakota State U.)
description and other info (earthlife.net)
common name referernce plus live adult images and info (Keith Edkins, England)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 1 April, 2005 - 8:20am
Last updated 1 April, 2005 - 9:46am
