Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity





back to order Hemiptera		 insect database

Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: phytophagous
Immatures: phytophagous

Size: 5 to 9 mm
Flight : strong flier

North American
Species: 3 in Canada

Hemiptera Berytidae
Stilt bugs

Front Wings: leathery
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts: sucking
Antenna Length: longer than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Berytidae are slender and elongate insects that are usually brownish in colour. They have very long and slender legs and antennae. The antennae and the apex of each femur are clubbed.

Comments: Most stilt bugs are phytophagous and suck plant juices, but a few are occasionally predaceous and feed on smaller insects.

Species:
Jalysus spinosus (Say)

Common Name:
Stilt bug

Feeding Habits: This species feeds on potatoes, tomatoes, nettles, grasses and alfalfa. They puncture stems and ovaries of tomato plants to feed and this causes the young fruit to dry up or fall off.

Distribution:
Eastern Canada