Acanthosomatidae
Representatives of the four genera in relative size to each other
Sting bugs ( Acanthosomatidae ), also referred to as abdominal keel bugs, a species-poor family of bugs ( Heteroptera), which systematically the ball bugs ( Plataspidae ) Erdwanzen ( Cydnidae ), shield bugs ( Scutelleridae ) and stink bugs ( Pentatomidae ) are close stands. The family is divided into three subfamilies, Acanthosomatinae, Blaudusinae and Ditomotarsinae, of which only the former is present in Europe. Sting bugs are found worldwide with about 180 species. In Europe, they are represented by eight species usually quite colorful.
Features
The bugs reach body lengths between about 8 to 15, sometimes 18 millimeters. Your body is powerfully built and shield-shaped from above, but stretched backward. The pronotum is the widest part of the body and tapers forward to the head. The tag ( scutellum ) is large, triangular and slightly extended backwards. The individual species are similar, especially the stink bugs in external appearance. You have only two instead of three Tarsenglieder on each foot. The belly is roof-shaped and has a central keel, which is often extended forward, and followed by a projection on the center chest followed by ( name). At rest, the long thin trunk is worn on the left side of the keel. Their antennae are five-membered. They have well -developed wings and can fly well.
Way of life
The animals feed on phytophagous itself. They live mainly in trees ( birch, juniper, alder, hazel ). In case of danger they can secrete from fragrance or scent glands secretions. The females of some species operate brood care, especially the mottled Parent Bug ( Elasmucha grisea ) and the Serrated Parent Bug ( Elasmucha fieberi ), and guard their eggs until they hatch and the larvae sometimes beyond.
Other types (selection)
- Shield Bug Shield Bug ( Acanthosoma haemorhoidale )
- Buntrock ( Cyphostethus tristriatus )
- Colorful leaf bug ( Elasmostethus interstinctus )
- Stained Parent Bug ( Elasmucha grisea )
- Blueberry Bug ( Elasmucha ferrugata )
Colorful leaf bug
Buntrock
Stained Parent Bug