Burrower bugs, scientifically known as Cydnidae, are a family of insects that dwell in soil and occasionally leave their underground homes to migrate to new locations within a field or nearby area.
These small creatures, which measure around ¼” in size, share similarities with stink bugs in terms of appearance.
White Margined Burrowing Bugs
They are most commonly found in hot and dry climates, where they sometimes cause damage to agricultural crops, particularly affecting peanut quality.
These insects display certain characteristics that make them easily identifiable. For instance, their features can be listed out as follows:
- Small size (around ¼”)
- Resemble stink bugs
- Soil-dwelling habitats
- Preference for hot and dry climates
While they generally do not cause a significant amount of economic damage to crops, burrower bugs can be a concern for peanut farmers due to the reduction of peanut quality caused by their feeding habits.
Identification and Taxonomy
Order Hemiptera
Burrower bugs belong to the order Hemiptera, which is a large group of insects known as the “true bugs.”
This order includes other well-known bugs like aphids, cicadas, and hoppers. Key features of Hemiptera insects include:
- Half sets of wings
- Sucking mouthparts
- Incomplete metamorphosis
Family Cydnidae
The family Cydnidae is classified under the infraorder Pentatomomorpha and the superfamily Pentatomoidea.
Also known as burrower bugs, these insects have some distinct characteristics:
- Shield-like body shape
- Short, strong legs for digging
- Mostly found in soil or under stones
Subfamily Sehirinae
The subfamily Sehirinae is part of the Cydnidae family and includes the Sehirus cinctus, or white-margined burrower bug.
This insect is an example of the burrower bugs found in this subfamily. Some unique features of Sehirus cinctus are:
- Black body with white margins
- Oval body shape
- Found primarily in North America
Life Cycle and Development
Eggs
Burrower bugs, belonging to the Cydnidae family, start their life cycle as eggs.
They typically lay their eggs in soil during the summer season, as they thrive in hot and dry weather conditions1.
Nymphs
Once the eggs hatch, tiny nymphs emerge and begin feeding on plant roots and organic matter.
These nymphs go through a series of molts as they develop, gradually increasing in size and assuming adult-like features1.
Immature Burrowing Bug
Adults
Adult burrower bugs are small insects, roughly ¼-inch in size1, resembling a miniaturized stink bug.
As they continue to develop, they remain in the soil, only leaving occasionally to migrate to new locations within a field or to nearby fields1.
Comparison Table
| Life Stage | Features | Population Dynamics |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Laid in soil during summer1 | Mothers lay eggs in soil |
| Nymphs | Feed on plant roots1 | Population increases with molting |
| Adults | Resemble small stink bugs1 | Migrate for new feeding locations1 |
Habitat and Distribution
United States Regions
Burrowing bugs are found across the United States, with a significant presence in Texas. They usually leave the soil only to migrate within or between fields1.
The bugs favor hot and dry weather conditions for their habitat1. Some common plants they can be found near include henbit2.
Worldwide Distribution
In addition to North America, these bugs have been documented in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
In Europe, they are commonly found in the Mediterranean regions, thriving in the warm and dry conditions.
In Asia, they are distributed across the temperate zones, including countries like China and India.
African countries, with their varied climates, also host several species of burrower bugs, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions.
South America, with its vast agricultural lands, has reported the presence of these bugs in countries like Brazil and Argentina.
They have a wide distribution due to their adaptability and feeding preferences.
Their global distribution can be attributed to their ability to burrow and feed on a wide variety of plants3.
However, the specifics of their worldwide distribution are not well documented in scientific literature.
Comparison of Burrowing Bug and Stink Bug
| Feature | Burrowing Bug | Stink Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Order | Hemiptera4 | Hemiptera4 |
| Family | Cydnidae4 | Pentatomidae4 |
| Size | Small, around ¼ inch1 | Larger, up to ¾ inch5 |
| Appearance | Resemble small stink bugs1 | Shield shape, strong odor5 |
| Distribution | Widely distributed, variable regions | Widely distributed, variable regions |
Ecological Role of Burrower Bugs
Burrower bugs, as their name suggests, are adept at burrowing and living within the soil, playing several vital roles in the ecosystem.
Their ecological significance extends beyond their interactions with crops and can be understood through the following contributions:
Soil Aeration
As burrower bugs move through the soil, they create tiny tunnels. This activity helps in aerating the soil, ensuring that air reaches deeper layers.
Proper aeration is crucial for the health of plants as it allows roots to access the oxygen they need and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
Nutrient Cycling
The feeding habits of burrower bugs, especially the nymphs that feed on plant roots and organic matter, contribute to the breakdown of organic materials.
As these materials decompose, essential nutrients are released back into the soil, aiding in nutrient cycling.
This process ensures that plants have access to the vital minerals and nutrients they require for growth.
Prey for Other Animals
Burrower bugs, due to their small size, serve as a food source for various predators. Birds, amphibians, and even some mammals might feed on these insects.
Their presence in the food chain ensures energy transfer across different trophic levels, supporting biodiversity.
Natural Pest Control
Some species of burrower bugs might feed on other soil pests or their eggs, acting as natural pest controllers.
Their predatory behavior can help in keeping certain harmful pest populations in check.
Supporting Microbial Communities
The tunnels created by burrower bugs can become micro-habitats for various microorganisms.
These microbes play a role in breaking down organic matter, further contributing to soil fertility.
Economic Impact and Management
Agricultural Significance
Burrower bugs are soil-dwelling insects that can cause damage to various crops.
They are mostly active during hot and dry weather conditions. While their presence can be problematic for some crops, they tend to cause significant economic damage in peanut fields.
Peanut Burrower Bug
The peanut burrower bug is a major concern for peanut producers since:
- It is difficult to detect their presence above ground
- Damage caused by their piercing mouthparts is only evident after peanuts are harvested and sent for processing
This often leads to unexpected revenue loss for peanut producers.
Peanut Burrower Bug. Source: Brian Gratwicke from DC, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Control Methods
There are several ways to manage burrower bug populations and minimize their impact on agricultural production. Some of them include:
- Irrigation: Proper irrigation can help manage peanut burrower bug populations by improving soil moisture levels, making the habitat less favorable for the insects.
- Pesticides: Chemical control options such as chlorpyrifos, bifenthrin, and imidacloprid can reduce pest populations. However, excessive use has potential environmental consequences.
- Biological control: Entomopathogenic nematodes can be used to target and kill peanut burrower bugs in specific areas of infestation.
| Control Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation | Improved soil conditions | May not be effective in severe droughts |
| Pesticides | Effective in reducing pest abundance | Potential environmental consequences |
| Biological control | Targeted and environmentally friendly | May require specific conditions for success |
By implementing these management strategies, peanut producers can effectively reduce the economic damage caused by burrower bugs and protect their crop yields.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Conclusion
Burrower bugs, scientifically classified under the Cydnidae family, are intriguing soil-dwelling insects with a vast global distribution.
While they share similarities with stink bugs, their unique behavior, especially their impact on crops like peanuts, sets them apart.
Understanding their life cycle, habitat preferences, and the challenges they pose to agriculture is crucial.
As we recognize their presence from the United States to continents like Europe and Asia, effective management strategies become paramount in safeguarding our agricultural interests.
Footnotes
14 Comments.
I have found several in my Apt in South Phoenix, AZ. Are they harmful to humans and how do I get rid of them?
Burrowing Bugs are not harmful to humans. We do not give extermination advice. We believe that it is highly unlikely that you had Burrowing Bugs in your apartment. It is more likely that you had some species of Cockroach like the Oriental Cockroach (see BugGuide), or perhaps a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, though BugGuide does not report them from Arizona.
The bug I found is IDENTICAL to the one in the picture. Reports from BugGuide state that they are common in AZ March – August. I will try to get a Picture Sent to you …
I live in Chicago, IL and had one of them show up in my bedroom the last 2 nights…crazy. I have no idea how they got here. They look IDENTICAL to the ones in the photo. I had thought I had bed bugs, but then I stumbled over this…and bingo!
We are happy you were able to make an identification using our website.
Are the burrower bugs harmful to dogs?
To the best of our knowledge, Burrower Bugs do not contain any toxins that would harm a dog.
A bug that looks a lot like this one flew into my eye in Hawaii and it immediately felt like pepper was in my eye. I flushed it for about 5 minutes but it is very irritated and sore. I don’t know if it bit me or squirted something but I want to know if I should get medical attention or wait to see what happens.
Hi I have been up all nite online trying to be certain what kind of bug this could be, I have a picture, I want to know if it is harmful to my 4yr old & myself. We live in michigan.
You can submit images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
From afar it looks like a pomegranate… Wanna bite?
A few years ago I found one of these and thought he looked like a diving beetle, so I briefly put him in water (like a max of thirty seconds) to see if he was. Obviously he wasn’t and he got his revenge by stinking up my hands when I fished him out haha but I deserved it and now every time I see one I think of that poor little beetle that I unintentionally terrorized and laugh at myself
Shoot I mean bug, I have thought they were beetles for a while though
I’m finding these in my backyard. I’m located in Antelope Valley, California.
I have some plants that have yellowing leaves and some of the young branches on my apricot tree are drying out and dying.
Could this insect be responsible for my garden’s problems?