Heteroptera

Lore & Background

Only recently has it been relegated to a subsidiary rank within a larger definition of Hemiptera, so many reference works still include it as an order. Whether to continue treating it as a suborder is still a subject of some controversy, as is whether the name itself should ever be used, although three basic approaches ranging from abolishing it entirely to maintaining the taxonomy with a slight change in systematics is proposed, two of which (but not the traditional one) agree with the phylogeny. The competing classifications call for a preference for two suborders versus one when the 'living fossil' family Peloridiidae is taken into consideration. The only difference between Heteroptera and Prosorrhyncha is that the latter includes the family Peloridiidae. In the traditional classification, the Peloridiidae are retained as their own suborder, called Coleorrhyncha; 'Heteroptera' is treated the same. Alternatively, the modified approach of placing Coleorrhyncha 'within' the Heteroptera can be used, preserving the well-known Heteroptera at the taxonomic rank they traditionally hold while making them a good monophyletic group.

Reader's Guide

Their name, meaning 'different wings', reflects the characteristic hemelytra found in most species. The classification of Heteroptera is a matter of ongoing dispute, with three basic approaches proposed: abolishing the name entirely, maintaining it as a suborder in a traditional sense (which may be paraphyletic), or expanding it to include the Coleorrhyncha (Peloridiidae) as a monophyletic group. The conflict stems from the realization that the Coleorrhyncha are 'living fossil' relatives of the traditional Heteroptera, close enough to be united with that group. The name 'Heteroptera' also creates an internal conflict in Linnean nomenclature, as it uses the ending '-ptera' for a rank below order, violating convention. Some hemipterists argue the name should be dropped entirely, while others prefer a modified classification that preserves the well-known name. The legacy of Heteroptera lies in its role as a central taxon in hemipteran systematics, with its definition and rank continuing to evolve as phylogenetic understanding advances.

Did You Know?

• The name 'Heteroptera' is Greek for 'different wings', referring to forewings with both membranous and hardened portions called hemelytra.
• Members of the primitive sub-group Enicocephalomorpha have completely membranous wings, unlike most other Heteroptera.
• The family Peloridiidae, a tiny relictual group of only 13 small genera, is considered a 'living fossil' relative of the traditional Heteroptera.