Types of Bugs: Hemiptera

True Bugs and Others: Hemiptera Assassin Bugs Bordered Plant Bugs Cicada Leaffooted Bugs Shield-backed Bugs Stink Bugs Water Striders Types of Insects

Hemiptera are a large order of insects that share the physical characteristic of having a proboscis used for feeding.

Colloquially all insects are at one time or another called bugs. Hemiptera go by the name true bugs and the order consists of a wide array of aquatic and land insects, including cicadas, aphids, water bugs and the like.

Many, but not all Hemiptera get classified as insect pests that cause harm to agricultural interests and gardeners. Other species such as assassin bugs, prey on insects. The Cimicidae family, better known as bed bugs and bat bugs, feed on blood.

The presence of a proboscis used for piercing means that some of the species such as assassin bugs, can inflict painful bites.

The links in the box on the right point to further information covering seven of the close to fifty different Hemiptera families.

© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels