Categories

bug on sapotaceae
Dear Bugman,
I saw this guy munching away on a fruit of a Satinleaf tree (Chrysophyllum oliveforme in the Sapotaceae). I’ve no idea what it is, but it is pretty cool and it didn’t bite me.
Steve Woodmansee, Senior Biologist
Miami, Florida.

Hi Steve,
We do not recognize your beautiful Hemipteran, though we think it is a Stink Bug. Florida is a magnet for exotic species, either introduced on plants or blown up from the tropics during huricanes. We will check with Eric Eaton to see if he recognizes the species. Eric Eaton responded thus: “Hi, Daniel: The Florida bug is not a stink bug but a shield-backed bug, family Scutellaridae (sometimes lumped in Pentatomidae, though). Sure looks like something exotic, and I would suggest contacting Florida Department of Agriculture, Julieta at the USDA, or some other agency to make sure this is something native, or at worst, something not likely to become established. Great images, so ID should be relatively straightforward for an expert. Eric”

Related Posts

1. Birch Shield Bug (February 4, 2008)
2. Spined Green Stink Bug Nymph (December 23, 2006)
3. Hawthorn Shield Bug (November 24, 2005)
4. Unknown Walkingstick identified as Indian Walkingstick (July 24, 2006)
5. A Real Melodramatic Saga Continues!!! Unknown Weevil is Eurhinus magnificus (April 8, 2005)