Scientific name Pentatomomorpha Higher classification True bugs | Rank Infraorder | |
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Lower classifications Pentatomoidea, Leaf‑footed bugs, Lygaeidae, Pyrrhocoridae, Brown marmorated stink bug | ||
The Pentatomomorpha comprise an infraorder of insects in the true bug order Hemiptera. It unites such animals as the stink bugs (Pentatomidae), flat bugs (Aradidae), seed bugs (Lygaeidae and Rhyparochromidae), etc. They are closely related to the Cimicomorpha.
Systematics
Five superfamilies are usually placed in the Pentatomomorpha. The Aradoidea represent the most basal extant lineage, while the others, often united as clade Trichophora, are more modern:
Among these, the Pentatomoidea seem to represent a by and large monophyletic lineage as traditionally understood, while the other three form a close-knit group and are in serious need of redelimitation. The Idiostolidae are sometimes placed in the Lygaeoidea, sometimes in a distinct monotypic superfamily Idiostoloidea, for example.
The Piesmatidae, usually placed in the Lygaeoidea also, are better considered incertae sedis pending a more thorough analysis, as the most ancient member of that family is strikingly similar to some prehistoric Aradoidea; until their relationships are cleared up the recognition of another monotypic superfamily Piesmatoidea is probably somewhat premature but may eventually turn out to be the most warranted approach.