Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Murgantia histrionica (
Hahn, 1834)
Originally: Strachia histrionica
Explanation of Names
From Greek histrio clown, jester (apparently, refers to the color pattern)
Identification
Brightly patterned with black and orange or red. The amount of black varies considerably.
Range
Mainly southern parts of the United States - usually no farther north than Pennsylvania and Colorado.
Food
Sucks on juices of plants in the mustard/cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Can be a very serious crop pest.
Life Cycle
Eggs (like little white barrels with two black hoops around) hatch into nymphs, which molt several times before becoming reproductive adults. Nymphs are unable to fly - only the adults have fully developed wings. The entire life cycle takes 50 - 80 days. Winter is spent in the adult stage.
Print References
Hahn's original description and illustration from
Die wanzenartigen Insecten: getreu nach der Natur abgebildet und beschrieben (at Biodiversity Heritage Library):
Vol. 2, p. 116,
Tab 65, fig. 196
