Broad-Headed Bugs (Alydidae)

The broad-headed bugs (Alydidae) are divided into two subfamilies, Alydinae and Micrelytrinae, each divided into two tribes, Daclerini and Alydini, and Micrelytrini and Leptocorisini, respectively. The family has 53 genera and about 250 species; in the Neotropics, there are 21 genera. Alydids are small (8–20 mm), slender, with a triangular head; nymphs of alydines mimic ants, the adults of some Micrelytrini also mimic ants. The most studied species in the Neotropics is the alydine Neomegalotomus parvus (Westwood), usually associated with legumes, and may be a pest on soybean. Other common genera include Hyalymenus Amyot & Serville, Stenocoris Burmeister, Cydamus Stal, and Trachelium Herrich-Schaffer. Studies on taxonomy and bioecology on alydids of the Neotropics are needed.