Shield bug

Taxobox
name = Shield and stink bugs


image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Acanthosoma labiduroides" female
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Hemiptera
infraordo = Pentatomomorpha
superfamilia = Pentatomoidea
subdivision_ranks = Families
subdivision =
* Acanthosomatidae - shield bugs
* Aphylidae
* Canopidae
* Cydnidae - burrowing bugs
* Dinidoridae
* Lestoniidae
* Megarididae
* Pentatomidae - stink bugs
* Phloeidae
* Plataspididae (Plataspidae)
* Scutelleridae - shield-back bugs
* Tessaraomidae
* Thaumastellidae
* Thyreocoridae (Corimelaenidae) - black bugs
* Urostylididae (Urostylidae)

Shield bug and stink bug (or shieldbug and stinkbug) are common names applied to various insects of the Hemiptera order (the "true bugs"), in the Heteroptera suborder. Shield bugs have glands in their thorax between the first and second pair of legs which produce a foul smelling liquid. This liquid is used defensively to deter potential predators and is sometimes released when the bugs are handled carelessly. The stink comes from aldehydes such as CH₃–(CH₂)₂–CH=CH–CHO, and is chemically similar to pheromones.

The nymphs, similar to adults except smaller and without wings, also have stink glands.

The nymphs and adults have piercing mouthparts which most use to suck sap from plants, although some eat other insects. When they group in large numbers they can become significant pests.

The superfamily Pentatomoidea consists of generally shield-shaped true bugs, with the families listed to the right.

Other species that resemble shield bugs are found in the Coreoidea superfamily.

ome species

The first study of the nutritional value of the edible stinkbug, "Encosternum delegorguei Spinola", found the insects a good source of protein, fat, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. The bug is eaten by people living in the tropical Limpopo province of South Africa. Researchers, writing in the "South African Journal of Science", say conservation and efficient harvesting of the insects should be investigated. [ [http://www.scidev.net/en/sub-suharan-africa/news/sub-saharan-africa-news-in-brief-25-march-9-april.html Edible stinkbug a 'good source of nutrition'] . SciDev Net, 25 March–9 April 2008.] [cite journal |quotes= |last=Teffoa |first=L. S. |coauthors=R. B. Tomsb and J. N. Eloff |year=2007 |title=Preliminary data on the nutritional composition of the edible stink-bug, "Encosternum delegorguei" Spinola, consumed in Limpopo province, South Africa |journal=South African Journal of Science |volume=103 |pages=434–436 |url=http://www.scidev.net/uploads/File/pdffiles/stinkbug.pdf |accessdate=2008-09-10]

References

ee also

*Sunn pest