Acanthosomatidae

Acanthosomatidae is a family of Hemiptera, commonly named "shield bugs" or "stink bugs", for which Kumar in his 1979 world revision recognized 47 genera; now this number is 55 genera, with about 200 species, and is one of the least diversified families within Pentatomoidea.[1][2] The Acanthosomatidae species are found throughout the world, with the majority in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Acanthosomatidae
Acanthosomatidae - relative sizes
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Superfamily: Pentatomoidea
Family: Acanthosomatidae
Signoret, 1864
Subfamilies

Acanthosomatinae
Blaudusinae
Ditomotarsinae

Oncacontias vittatus

One of the most well-known species in the Acanthosomatidae family is the hawthorn shield bug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale), which is found throughout Europe and also northern Siberia; this species is typically green or brown in color and has a distinctive shape with two projections on its thorax. It feeds on a variety of plants, including hawthorn, rowan, and cherry.

Description

These bugs are characterized by their shield-shaped bodies, which are often adorned with spines or projections, and their ability to emit a foul-smelling liquid when threatened.

Habitat

Acanthosomatidae are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and fields.

Genera

Examples of genera and species:

Ecology and use

Like other shield bugs, Acanthosomatidae play an important role in their ecosystems. They help to control insect populations, and their feeding habits can influence the growth and development of plants. However, they can also be considered pests in agricultural fields and gardens, where they may cause damage to crops.

In addition to their ecological significance, Acanthosomatidae have also been studied for their potential medicinal properties. Research has shown that the secretions produced by some species of Acanthosomatidae contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, making them potentially useful in the development of new drugs.

References
  1. Faúndez, E. I. 2009. Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Acrophyma Bergroth, 1917 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Acanthosomatidae). Zootaxa. 2137: 57-65
  2. Faúndez, E.I. 2014: A new genus for a Chilean species of Acanthosomatidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). Zootaxa, 3768(5): 596-600
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