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Broad-headed Bug - Alydus eurinus
Insect Order: Hemiptera (true bugs) / Family: Alydidae (Broad-headed
Bugs) / Species: Alydus eurinus
There are approximately 29 species of broad-headed
bugs in North America. This species, Alydus eurinus, is the most
abundant of the broad-headed bugs and is usually found on bush clover
(Lespedeza capitata). The nymphs are remarkable ant mimics, while the
adults resemble
spider wasps (Pompilidae). As a second
line of defense, both nymphs and adults exude chemicals known as
allomones (butyric and hexanoic acids) from the metathoracic scent
glands characteristic of true bugs.
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