ORDER HEMIPTERA

The hemiptera are a large frequently encountered order, members of which are extremely diverse in size shape and colour. They include insects commonly known as bugs, leafhoppers, cicadas, aphids, lerps and scale insects. The most distinctive feature of hemipterans is their sharply pointed, tube-like mouthparts (proboscis or rostrum) that are used for piercing or sucking. Hemipterans usually have two paier of wings, however some groups may be wingless and others have only forewings. They feed on juices of plants or animals.

The Order Hemiptera is divided into four Suborders

1.       Heteroptera (true bugs)

The term heteroptera, derived from greek, hetero-different; ptera-wings; The forewings are hardened at the base, membranous at the tips, and sitting flat over abdomen, hiding the membranous hind wings; the head and proboscis can flex forward and some predatory species have raptorial forelegs.

Wings lie flat on the back at rest, forming an ‘X’

Figure 1: Heteroptera: Leptocorisa

2.       Auchenorrhyncha (cicadas, spittlebugs, leafhoppers, planthoppers and tree hoppers)

They have forewings uniform in texture and held like a tent over the abdomen; the head and proboscis are directed down and back and many have hind legs adapted for jumping.

Figure 2: Auchenorrhyncha: Nilaparvata lugens

3.       Sternorrhyncha (psyllids, whiteflies, aphids, mealy bugs)

They are usually small, soft bodied and generally wingless; the head and proboscis are directed down and back, and in some the legs are vestigial or absent. Many species cover themselves with wax to prevent their soft bodies from dessicating.

Figure 3: Sternorrhyncha: Cereal aphid

4.       Coleorrhyncha (moss bugs)

They are small, rarely seen, group of flattened, mostly flightless bugs that are found amongst mosses and liverworts.