Hemiptera Order: True Bugs

True bug adults are identified by the X-shaped pattern on their wings and by their piercing sucking mouthpart. The X-shaped pattern is due to the fore wings in which the anterior half is thickened and leathery and the posterior half is membranous. This is called the hemelytron or half-wing. Some members of this order (especially backswimmers and giantwater bugs) can give a nasty bite, so care should be taken when handling them. Most hemipterans, with the exception of the water boatmen, are voracious predators, and they should be kept in separate containers or they will eat the other specimens.


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	Go to the Key True bug adults are identified by the X-shaped pattern on their wings and by their piercing sucking mouthpart. The X-shaped pattern is due to the fore wings in which the anterior half is thickened and leathery and the posterior half is membranous. This is called the hemelytron or half-wing. Some members of this order (especially backswimmers and giantwater bugs) can give a nasty bite, so care should be taken when handling them. Most hemipterans, with the exception of the water boatmen, are voracious predators, and they should be kept in separate containers or they will eat the other specimens.