Explanation of Names
"The feeding activities of cotton stainers on cotton produce a stain on the lint which reduces its value. A few authorities have reported the stain comes from excrement of the bugs. However, most have stated that the stain primarily is a result of the bug puncturing the seeds in the developing bolls causing a juice to exude that leaves an indelible stain. Feeding by puncturing flower buds or young cotton bolls usually causes reduction in size, or the fruiting body may abort and drop to the ground." - University of Florida
Numbers
This is the only genus in the family.
8 Nearctic species.
Identification
Similar to Lygaeidae but lack ocelli. Typically red and black.
Range
Southern United States and regions southward.
Food
Usually feeds on members of the Mallow family including cotton.
Print References
Borror and White, p. 122, plate 3--
Dysdercus suturellus (1)
Slater, pp. 95-96, fig. 170--
Dysdercus suturellus (2)Internet References
Featured Creatures - UF includes key to three FL spp.
