Probergrothius sexpunctatus
| Welwitschia bug | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Infraorder: | Pentatomomorpha |
| Superfamily: | Pyrrhocoroidea |
| Family: | Pyrrhocoridae |
| Genus: | Probergrothius |
| Species: | P. sexpunctatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Probergrothius sexpunctatus (Laporte de Castelnau, 1832)[1] | |
| Synonyms | |
Probergrothius sexpunctatus (sometimes known as the Welwitschia bug) is a species of true bug found in the Namib desert. They are best known for their association with the unusual Welwitschia plant, also endemic to the area, but it is in doubt whether they actually serve a role in pollination or only drink Welwitschia's sap.[4] In addition, they may spread a fungus, Aspergillus niger, in the process, which is harmful to developing seeds.[2]
Probergrothius sexpunctatus on Wlwitschia mirabilis
It is yellow with six black markings, hence sexpunctatus, but it's official taxonomic name is a matter of some doubt and is also referred to as Odontopus sexpunctatus and Odontopus angolensis.
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External links
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