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These are "the true
bugs." They are found worldwide, in climates from tropical to
arctic. There are 30,000 known species; most live in tropical
areas.
Heteropterans
range in size from under one millimeter (0.04 inch) to more than 100 mm.
They are distinguished from other insects by the presence of a pair of
simple eyes in front of and above the compound eyes, a hardened gula
(the area below the mouthparts), and an "X" formed on the back
by the overlapped wings. They live chiefly on plant or animal juices.
Heteropterans
are important to man in several ways. Some, such as plant bugs (Miridae)
and stinkbugs (Pentatomidae), may damage crops while feeding. On the
other hand, certain predatory heteropterans are used to control
infestations of other crop-damaging insects. Some, like the bedbugs, are
biting pests, and still other may serve as carriers of various diseases.
The order is divided into three suborders.
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