Which family has adult lace-like patterns on the dorsum, absent ocelli, four-segmented beak and antennae, a scutellum hidden under the posterior portion of the pronotum, and two-segmented tarsi?

• A. Miridae
• B. Lygaeidae
• C. Cimicidae
• D. Tingidae

Answer: (D)

Lace-like patterns on the dorsum signal the lace bugs, a group whose wings look like delicate lace due to a reticulated network of veins. They also characteristically lack ocelli, which helps differentiate them from other true bugs. In this family the mouthparts form a four-segmented beak, and the antennae are four-segmented as well. A distinctive feature is the pronotum extending over the thorax so completely that the scutellum stays hidden behind it. The tarsi are two-segmented, another trait that sets them apart from other groups with three-segmented tarsi or different leg segmentation. All these traits together point to the lace bug family rather than Miridae, Lygaeidae, or Cimicidae.