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Species Details
Eurygaster alternata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
SeasonalityIn Alberta, this species has been collected from June to August.
Identification7.5- 9.5 mm. The genus Eurygaster is easily told from other Albertan genera by its narrow scutellum which exposes the hemylytra for its entire length. Both E. alternata and E. amerinda are similar in appearance, although E. alternata is somewhat smaller and is generally found in wetter habitats (McPherson 1982). Colour and patterning in both species can be quite variable.
Scientific Name
Eurygaster alternata
Habitat
Prefers moist habitats. Associated with swampy areas and hedges (McPherson 1983).
Seasonality
In Alberta, this species has been collected from June to August.
Identification
7.5- 9.5 mm. The genus Eurygaster is easily told from other Albertan genera by its narrow scutellum which exposes the hemylytra for its entire length. Both E. alternata and E. amerinda are similar in appearance,…
7.5- 9.5 mm. The genus Eurygaster is easily told from other Albertan genera by its narrow scutellum which exposes the hemylytra for its entire length. Both E. alternata and E. amerinda are similar in appearance, although E. alternata is somewhat smaller and is generally found in wetter habitats (McPherson 1982). Colour and patterning in both species can be quite variable.
Life History
This species has been preyed upon by lizards, birds, and asilid flies, and is used in nest provisioning by the astatid wasp Dryudella montana (Cresson) (McPherson 1982).
Diet Info
Phytophagous
Range
E. alternata is found throughout the continental United States south to New Mexico and north through much of Canada, even reaching the Northwest Territories (Maw et al. 2000). Within Alberta, this species has been…
E. alternata is found throughout the continental United States south to New Mexico and north through much of Canada, even reaching the Northwest Territories (Maw et al. 2000). Within Alberta, this species has been taken near Cypress Hills (partly treed plateau, up to 4,800 feet), Medicine Hat, Lethbridge (short-grass prairie), Calgary (short and long-grass prairie), Beaverlodge (mixed northern forest and parkland), and Cochrane (foothills) (Strickland 1953).
Citation
Page Citation for Eurygaster alternata
Page Citation
"Species Details - Eurygaster alternata, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-2491/9-52001. Accessed 01 May. 2024.
References
Author
Strickland, E. H.
Title
An annotated list of the Hemiptera (s.l.) of Alberta
Publication Date
1953
Series Title
The Canadian Entomologist
Volume
85
Pages
193-214
Author
Froeschner, R. C.
Title
Catalog of the Heteroptera, or True Bugs of Canada and the Continental United States.
Publication Date
1988
Author
Maw, H. E. L., Footit, R. G., Hamilton, K. G. A. and Scudder, G. G. E.
Title
Checklist of the Hemiptera of Canada and Alaska
Publication Date
2000
Pages
220 p.
Author
McPherson, J. E.
Title
The Pentatomoidea (Hemiptera) of Northeastern North America, with emphasis on the fauna of Illinois
Publication Date
1982
Specimen Information
There are 3 specimens of this Species.
UASM1282 - Eurygaster alternata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton
Collected ByStrickland, Edgar H.
Date Collected1923-10-07
UASM1283 - Eurygaster alternata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Barnwell
Collected BySalt, Reginald W.
Date Collected1942-07-02
UASM1284 - Eurygaster alternata
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Elkwater Lake