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True Bugs (Hemiptera)
Members of the order Hemiptera, the 'true bugs', also have specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts designed to feed on plant fluids. However, feeding is typically more destructive than with the aphids and scales (Order: Homoptera). Most true bugs feed in a manner known as lacerate and flush where the mouthparts puncture and slash plant cells, followed by the production of large amounts of saliva to flush the cell contents into the mouth. As a result, areas around feeding sites usually are killed. Since most bugs also feed on tender tissues (e.g., developing leaves, fruits, flowers) these injuries may cause distortion injuries or abortion of plant parts.
Several groups of 'true bugs' are particularly important as woody plant pests. Most important in the Rocky Mountain region are the plant bugs (Family: Miridae). Most spend the winter in the adult stage in protected sites; the honeylocust plant bug (which overwinters as an egg) being an important exception to this habit, wintering in the egg stage. Lace bugs (Family: Tingidae), a group that is important in other areas of the country, are generally minor species in this region.
Note: Several other "true bugs" are notable because they feed on seeds, such as boxelder bugs and conifer seed bugs. These are discussed elsewhere.
