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.
