← Gallery II · The Orders
No. 05 · Hemimetabolous
True Bugs, Cicadas, Aphids, Leafhoppers
Hemiptera
~80,000
Described species
~140
Families
Introduction
Hemiptera are the true bugs — the only group entomologists technically call 'bugs'. Defined by piercing-sucking mouthparts and partly-leathery forewings.
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Piercing-sucking mouthparts forming a beak (rostrum) tucked under the body. In Heteroptera, forewings are half-leathery, half-membranous (hence 'hemi-ptera'). Wings overlap when folded.
Etymology
Greek hemi 'half' + pteron 'wing'
Wings
Variable
Diet
Herbivore · Predator · Blood
Habitat
Terrestrial · Aquatic · Semi-aquatic
Notable examples
Cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, planthoppers, stink bugs, bed bugs, water striders, assassin bugs, giant water bugs, spittlebugs.