Explanation of Names
Stiretrus anchorago (
Fabricius 1775)
anchorago refers to the anchor-like dorsal pattern
Identification
Both markings and color are highly variable, but distinguishable from other predatory pentatomids by the large U-shaped scutellum, which almost reaches to the tip of the abdomen
(2)
Nymphs:
profemora with strong tooth (unlike in
Zicrona)
Range
e. US, s. ON, NB (TX-FL-NB-KS) to Panama -
Map (3)(2)(4)(5)Habitat
on a wide variety of herbaceous plants
(1)(2)Season
mostly Apr-Oct (slightly longer in Gulf states) (BG data), with peak abundance in the August
(6)Food
feeds on beetle larvae and caterpillars, incl. many pest spp. (notably Mexican Bean Beetle and Japanese Beetle)
(1)(2)
One of the most frequently encountered predators of the bordered patch (
Chlosyne lacinia). Most often attacking third and fourth instar larvae, these bugs would sometimes almost completely destroy a brood.
(7)
apparently a frequent predator of monarch larvae, at least along the eastern seaboard, most the following records from FL to ME:
adults and nymphs also preys on Labidomera clivicollis larvae, in this case on Cynanchum racemosum var. unifarium:
Life Cycle
Eggs typically take seven days to hatch; nymphal phase (5 instars) takes 25-35 days
(1), appears to overwinter as adults
(2)
nymphs and adults are active predators primarily of beetle larvae and caterpillars:
parasitized by tachinid fly
Cylindromyia fumipennis
(2)See Also
Zicrona americana Thomas 1992
- Range: sw US
