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Order: Hemiptera, Suborder Heteroptera The name Heteroptera
is derived from the Greek "hetero-" meaning different and "ptera"
meaning wings, since the texture of the front wings is different
near the base (leathery) than at the apex (membranous). They have sucking, beak-like mouthparts which are tucked beneath their chins/chest when not in use. "True Bugs" often mimic other insects and are frequently mistaken for beetles.
Cicadas, aphids, spittle bugs, and other
various hoppers were once placed in their own separate order,
Homoptera, which I have also done along with other insect guides
to help distinguish between species in this large and highly diverse
group. To view those species, click here.
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Ambush Bugs:
These guys are cool, sitting stock still with their legs poised in front like a mantid, waiting to nab other insects. Pretty good camouflage too.
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Assassin Bugs: I just have the nymph for now, but still predatory and very cool shade of green. Their defensive bites can be excruciating.
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 Damsel Bugs: Predatory and abundant in open fields, but also feed at night. Found one sucking out caterpillar brains, yum!
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|  Leaf-footed Bugs: Guess what their hind legs resemble? They fly well with a droning sound and can emit sharp odors when perturbed.
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 Plant Bugs: Very diverse and abundant, feed on plants often specific to a host tree or plant but a few are predatory.
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Seed Bugs: Just large and small milkweed bugs for now, striking looking and easy to photograph, ahh... |
|  Stilt Bugs: Delicate and slender, found on plants and sometimes mistaken for assassin bugs who prey upon them.
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 Stink Bugs: A personal favorite of mine but they can be garden and crop pests. Ok, so they smell too, sheesh.
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Water Surface Bugs:
Water Striders skim the surface tension of the water with middle and hind legs covered in fine hairs that prevents breaking the surface and sinking.
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 ID
ME!: Halp..!
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*Excerpted from Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of
North America
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