Acanthosomatidae Signoret, 1863

Diagnosis:
    In general, very similar in appearance to members of the Pentatomidae, but can usually be separated from that family by the two-segmented tarsi (three segmented in most Pentatomidae).  The antennae are five-segmented.  The scutellum is more or less triangular in shape.  The tibiae lack strong spines.

Classification:
    This family contains approximately 180 species in 45 genera.  The last comprehensive treatment was by Kumar (1974) who provided keys to the subfamilies, tribes and genera of the world.  He recognized three subfamilies: Acanthosomatinae, Blaudusinae, and Ditomotarsinae. 

Key to Subfamilies

1    Base of abdomen lacking forward projecting spine; posterolateral angles of abdominal segment 7 not produced into processes..........................Ditomotarsinae

--    Base of abdomen usually produced forward as a spine; if abdominal spine absent, then either posterolateral angles of abdominal segment 7 produced into processes or lateral margins of pronotum thin..........................................................................................2

David A. Rider
Professor of Entomology
North Dakota State University
202 Hultz Hall
Fargo, ND 58105
E-Mail: David.Rider@ndsu.edu

updated: 30 Aug 2005 

Published by the Department of Entomology 

Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling 1-800-488-NDSU.