Plataspidae

Pronunciation:  [Pla·TASS·pi·dae]

Common Name:  Kudzu Bugs

Description:  Kudzu bugs are an invasive species that feed on a wide variety of plants.  The body is roughly trapezoidal in shape and widest posteriorly.  They range in color from brown to bronze with a speckled pattern.  The scutellum covers the entire abdomen.

Spot ID Key Characters:

1. Scutellum covers abdomen completely
2. Body beetlelike, strongly convex dorsally
3. Two-segmented tarsi
4. Five-segmented antennae (segments 2 and 3 may appear fused)

Return To:

Order:  Hemiptera, suborder Heteroptera