US Navy Disease Vector Ecology and Control Center

True Bugs Hemiptera (hemi = half; ptera = wings)

Description

Metamorphosis: gradual (egg to nymph to adult).
Immature: like adult, but wingless, or with wing pads
Adult: sucking mouthparts, four or no wings, forewings thickened at base and membranous at tip, mouthparts form a beak arising from the head

Habitat

Most true bugs feed on vegetation. Some are aquatic. Other species are predators of other insects. A few species are ectoparasites of birds and mammals.

Classification and Groups

44 families and 4,600 species in North America.

Medically Important Families:
Reduviidae - assassin and conenose or kissing bugs. About 2,500 species worldwide (subfamily Triatominae vectors Chagas' disease)
Cimicidae - bed bugs. At least 75 species worldwide.

More Information

adult conenose bug photograph
Chagas' disease profile