Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Includes True Bugs (
Heteroptera, formerly classified by themselves in the order Hemiptera) as well as
Auchenorrhyncha and
Sternorrhyncha (formerly classified together in the order Homoptera).
See
Tree of Life and the discussion of
Hemiptera and
Heteroptera at Wikipedia.
Explanation of Names
HEMIPTERA: from "hemi" (half) + "pteron" (wing); refers mainly to True Bugs, whose forewings have a thickened base and membranous tip in many families.
Numbers
About 10,200 spp. in almost 1600 genera north of Mexico; a third of the species are heteropteran
(1)(2)Identification
Auchenorrhyncha and Sternorrhyncha
(1)(3):
Body often soft, but sometimes thickened, leathery
Many groups covered in spines, setae (hair-like structures), or waxy coverings
Antennae usually have 3-10 segments, some groups 11, 12, or 13 segments
Typically four wings, but some groups (or stages) wingless
Wings at rest are held rooflike over the body
Mouthparts are piercing/sucking, beaklike, as in Heteroptera
Beak arises from posterior portion of underside of head, not front portion as in Heteroptera
Ocelli (simple eyes) sometimes present
Gradual metamorphosis
Gradual or incomplete metamorphosis (no pupa stage)
Juveniles (nymphs) resemble adults, but may vary in coloration, and usually have reduced wings which become larger in successive molts
Soft or hard-bodied, often dorsoventrally flattened in profile
Typically two pairs of wings in adult: forewings (hemelytra) are partly thick and protective, and partly membranous
Hindwings are typically fully membranous and function in flight, though some species are wingless. (Juveniles have reduced wings.)
Wings at rest are held flat over the body, and have apical portion (tip) crossed - a distinctive characteristic
Scutellum (triangular portion of thorax exposed between base of wings along midline) is prominent. Beetles may also have a prominent scutellum.
Mouthparts are a piercing or sucking "beak" arising from front of head
Antennae, when not hidden, have 4-5 segments
Ocelli (simple eyes) present in some groups
Some groups such as stink bugs (family Pentatomidae) have thoracic scent glands whose secretions are for defensive purposes
Habitat
many terrestrial and freshwater habitats
Food
All non-heteropteran members and most Heteroptera feed on plant juices; among Heteroptera, there are many exclusively predatory families (esp. aquatic and semi-aquatic) and major predatory groups in other families. Some suck vertebrate blood. Some are major agricultural pests.
Life Cycle
Auchenorrhyncha and Sternorrhyncha usually have three life-stages: egg, nymph, and adult - and some have prepupal and pupal stages. Some groups are ovoviviparous (eggs hatch inside female, and young are born live).
Heteroptera have gradual or incomplete metamorphosis (no pupa stage); juveniles (nymphs) resemble adults except they usually have reduced wings and are incapable of flight.
See Also
Beetles (Coleoptera) usually have completely hardened forewings which meet in a straight line down the center of the body.
