Sehirus cinctus |
This is a very small family of black bugs that look similar to pentatomids (stink bugs). Size is never more than 6 mm in length. As their name suggests, burrowing bugs tend to live in the soil and feed on roots and other plant matter. Some, though, climb up on plants to feed. I have found nymphs and adults in the shallow dirt that accumulates on garden paths, and these do their best to remain covered, trying to burrow as soon as they are exposed. The adults of other species can be found right out in the open on the tips of plants, where their dark color contrasts strongly with the green foliage. I even once found an adult speared on a cactus spine!
The only easily identified species in this group is Sehirus cinctus and this is because of the white rim around its body. At only about 4 mm in length, it is not very noticeable, but the bluish black metallic color sometimes gives it away. The other species I've seen here, which I have not even identified to genus, are a bit bigger and solid black, with a white or clear wing membrane. They are very shiny and flattened in shape. Their legs are covered in prominent spines, which probably help them to dig.
unidentified burrowing bug | 
unidentified burrowing bug | 
unidentified burrowing bug
nymph |
|
