Meaning: Hemi = half, ptera = wing

Pronunciation: hem-IP-ter-a

Common name(s): bugs

Mouthparts: piercing - sucking from front of head

Wings: 2 pr. - 1st pair (mesothoracic) are basal half hardened & tough with outer half membraneous = (hemelytra) while hind pair are only membraneous

Metamorphosis: paurometabolous

Body characteristics:

oval or squat body shape;
piercing-sucking mouthparts from front of head;
4/5" long segmented antennae, large eyes, long legs;
wings (in adult)

Where found: in various environments, some aquatic but most terrestrial around vegetation

Economic impact: some serious plant pests, 1 group transmits chagas' disease to humans, some may provide painful bite to humans

Size of order: 35,000 species (4500 in N. America)

• Gordon's Entomological Homepage
• University of Arizona Tree of Life Page (Very Interesting Site!)