True Bugs

True Bugs include some 10,000 species in North America and are members of the order Heteroptera, which include hoppers, cicadas, aphids and many others with “bug” in the name. They have several unique features. First, they all have piercing and sucking mouthparts that work like a straw. Most species feed on plant juices, but a few are blood-sucking. Many are agricultural or public health pests, but a few are predatory and considered beneficial. Considered beneficial are several of the aquatic bugs like the Boatman, or on land the Minute Pirate Bug, Whitefly Predatory Bug, Spined Soldier Bug and the Assassin Bug. For those that are public health pests, see the section Pests Infecting People.

True Bugs also have two pairs of wings. The forewings are called hemelytra. The half closest to the body is hardened, but the other half is membranous. The hindwings are fully membranous and are for flight. In addition, their antennae, if not hidden, have 4-5 segments. Most are flattened in shape and many have protruding “shoulders” which give them a very characteristic look. A few have scent glands for defensive purposes. Most have the word “bug” in their name (i.e. Lygus bugs, squash bugs, stink bugs, lace bugs, box elder bugs or harlequin bugs), but a few are named for their actions, like leafhoppers and planthoppers.

Life Cycle
True bugs that feed on plant juices deposit eggs exposed on foliage or bark or inserted into plant tissue. A nymph emerges that looks like a wingless adult. They molt as they grow, eventually developing wings. They may have several generations a year, depending on the climate.

Control

• Use beneficials like Praying Mantids, Ladybugs, or Green Lacewing.
• While you are waiting for the beneficials to arrive or hatch, use a Neem Oil product like Garden Defense, BioNeem, Bon-Neem, Rose Rx, or Tomato and Vegetable 3-in-1.
• Use Mycotrol O for plant bugs, aphids and leafhoppers.