Hypsithocus hudsonae
Species of true bug
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hypsithocus hudsonae, sometimes called the alpine shield bug[1] or black alpine shield bug, is a species of flightless shield bug endemic to New Zealand.[2] Few specimens have ever been collected and these have come from a relatively narrow geographical range. The New Zealand Department of Conservation classifies this species as 'At Risk,' with qualifiers 'data poor' and 'range restricted.'[3]
| Hypsithocus hudsonae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Dorsal view | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Family: | Pentatomidae |
| Genus: | Hypsithocus |
| Species: | H. hudsonae |
| Binomial name | |
| Hypsithocus hudsonae Bergroth, 1927 | |
Description
Life history
Ecology
Specimens have only ever been collected from a small number of mountain sites in Central Otago 1200–1700 m above sea level.[4] Their limited range may be explained by a lack of dispersal ability, as adults are flightless.[1] The species is herbivorous, and has been collected from Veronica odora, so may feed on that species.[4] Mating is likely to occur in summer and the species probably only has a single brood each year.[4]