Fun Long-necked Seed Bug Facts For Kids

The long-necked seed bug is the true seed bug species, which is often confused with the brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species from Asia. The relative of other seed bugs, such as the spined soldier bug and the small milkweed bug, can be found in North America. And like them, it feeds on plants but has no intention of causing any harm to humans. The long-necked seed bug belongs to the family of Rhyparochromidae, which is a family of true bugs or insects. They are from the phylum of Arthropoda. Through different scientific facts, it is known that long-necked seed bugs are known to have two generations annually while in the spring season, leaf litter can be seen on the trees where they live. Long-necked seed bugs are diurnal seed bugs or insects that feed on the seeds of cotton plants, strawberries, and many others. Generally, there is no evidence of any harm caused to these bug species. The seed bugs with long-necked body types are mostly pale brown or black in color. At night, these see bug species can be seen flying towards light objects because adults are attracted to light. 

What type of animal is a long-necked seed bug?

The long-necked seed bug is a small insect species that feeds on the seeds of the plant and is a true bug species in the family of Rhyparochromidae. Long-necked seed bugs are diurnal by nature, and no harm has been observed to humans from these insect species. 

What class of animal does a long-necked seed bug belong to?

The long-necked seed bug, scientific name Myodocha serripes, belongs to the family of Rhyparochromidae and the genus Myodocha. Long-necked seed bugs belong to the phylum Arthropoda and the order of Hemiptera. They are from the class of Insecta.

How many long-necked seed bugs are there in the world?

The exact number of long-necked seed bugs from the genus of Myodocha is not estimated and is unknown to the world. 

Where does a long-necked seed bug live?

A long-necked seed bug from the family of Rhyparochromidae is found in North America. The long-necked seed bug is also found in Indiana. 

What is a Long-Necked Seed Bug's habitat?

Long-necked seed bugs that belong to the family of Rhyparochromidae are found in woodlands and shallow dark places. During the winter season, they hibernate in the woods, while during the summer and spring seasons, these insects can be seen flying in the fields of cotton or strawberries. These insects are diurnal, and at night, adults can be seen flying around bright light objects. Generally, they are seen on small grasslands. 

Who do long-necked seed bugs live with?

It is unknown whether these insects from the family of Rhyparochromidae live their lives in solitary or in groups while the leaf litter is seen during the spring season in chains and clusters. 

How long does a long-necked seed bug live?

The longevity of long-necked seed bug species is unknown, but they are known to produce two generations annually. 

How do they reproduce?

There is not much known about the reproduction of the long-necked seed bugs, while these species from the family of Rhyparochromidae are known to live in woodlands during the winter season. This is the time when these species overwinter. In the summer and spring seasons, their leaf litter can be seen, and they are seen in the fields of strawberries and cotton plants. In a year, the long-necked seed bug is known to produce two generations. 

What is their conservation status?

The IUCN has not assessed the conservation status of long-necked seed bug insects.

What do long-necked seed bugs look like?

The long-necked seed bug is approximately 0.34 in (8.8 mm) long. The head of the long-necked seed bug is black while the neck is long and thin, which is stretched out. Brown wings with yellow etched lines are bordered by white. The ventral spines of the femur are inflated. The legs are pale yellow with black knee joints. They end in three-toed pincers. The antennae have four parts. The color of the base, along with the ending segments, is black, while the mid-sections are orange.

How cute are they?

If it is about cuteness, then these small, tiny insects are not cute and you might feel creepy if one jumps or sits upon you unless you are an insect lover. 

How do they communicate?

The communication of long-necked seed bugs is not known, but at night they can be seen flying around bright objects. 

How big is a long-necked seed bug?

The long-necked seed bug is 0.34 in (8.8 mm) in length. 

How fast can long-necked seed bugs move?

It is unknown how fast long-necked seed bugs fly or walk.

How much does a long-necked seed bug weigh?

The weight of the long-necked seed bug is unknown. 

What are their male and female names of the species?

The male and female of the species are not given different names and are called by their common name, long-necked seed bug.

What would you call a baby long-necked seed bug?

The young of long-necked seed bugs are called larvae. 

What do they eat?

Long-necked seed bugs that belong to the family of Rhyparochromidae are herbivores and feed on the seeds of strawberry and cotton plants. 

Are they harmful?

Generally, there is no harm or danger evident from long-necked seed bugs towards humans, but they can harm the strawberry field along with cotton plant fields. 

Would they make a good pet?

No, these tiny little creatures are not meant to be kept as pets. They are so small in size that keeping them as a pet would not be ideal and it is better to keep them in their own natural environment. Although they do not pose any harm to humans, they are better off in their natural environment and not as pets.

Did You Know...

The family Rhyparochromidae, which means 'dirt-colored', includes the long-necked seed bug, Myodocha serripes. Most of the species in the family have a large femur on their foreleg. Western conifer seed bugs are black, oval-shaped insects with long antennae and flattened hind legs. When startled, they may fly quickly and make a buzzing sound. The long-necked seed bug is identified by its long and thin elongated neck.

How did the long-necked seed bug get its name?

The long-necked seed bug got its name from its long and thin neck. These seed bugs were different from the other bug species, and therefore, on the basis of their long neck, they have been named the long-necked seed bug.

What is the difference between a long-necked seed bug and an elm seed bug?

The elm seed bug is a pest that has been spotted in Colorado and targets the seeds of Siberian elm trees. Elm seed bugs are a type of pest that may cause problems in buildings during the summer and early fall. They do not lay eggs indoors. The elm seed bug, Arocatus melanocephalus, is a European and Mediterranean insect that was discovered in Idaho in the year 2012 for the first time. It has been found in Oregon, Washington, Utah, and British Columbia, while the long-necked seed bug is the true seed bug species. A long-necked seed bug from the family of Rhyparochromidae is found in North America and Indiana. The long-necked seed bug is a small insect species that feeds on the seeds of the plant and belongs to the family Rhyparochromidae. They are from the genus Myodocha. 

*We've been unable to source an image of a long-necked seed bug and have used an image of a seed bug instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a long-necked seed bug, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected].

**We've been unable to source an image of a long-necked seed bug and have used an image of a black and red seed bug instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a long-necked seed bug, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at [email protected].