Amphiareus obscuriceps
This record describes Amphiareus obscuriceps (species). Recorded family: Anthocoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
It looks similar to Lasiochilus dorsally but tends to be more glossy across the hemelytra, and in Lasiochilus the dorsal hairs appear to be more erect and abundant. (comment by Steve Paiero) Key characters: Earliest record in NA: MD 1983
Wikipedia reference for Amphiareus obscuriceps: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphiareus_obscuriceps.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Cimicoidea
- Family
- Anthocoridae (Minute Pirate Bugs)
- Tribe
- Dufouriellini
- Genus
- Amphiareus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
suburban/urban areas and woodlands; associated with dead-leaf habitats in the trees or on the ground; also brush piles, squirrel nests, and old tent caterpillar nests
Geographic Range
Native to Asia, recently introduced to NA (has spread across the eastern half of the US* & e Canada) and Europe _____________ *at least to c.TX (taken at my porch lights). =v=
Seasonal Activity
year-round; adults may overwinter
Diet and Behavior
Diet: small arthropods, probably including psocids, thrips, etc.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amphiareus obscuriceps (Poppius 1909)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Amphiareus obscuriceps. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Amphiareus obscuriceps (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Amphiareus obscuriceps
What is Amphiareus obscuriceps?
Amphiareus obscuriceps is a species in the family Anthocoridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Amphiareus obscuriceps?
~2.5-3 mm
How do you identify Amphiareus obscuriceps?
It looks similar to Lasiochilus dorsally but tends to be more glossy across the hemelytra, and in Lasiochilus the dorsal hairs appear to be more erect and abundant. (comment by Steve Paiero) Key characters:
Where is Amphiareus obscuriceps found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | suburban/urban areas and woodlands; associated with dead-leaf habitats in the trees or on the ground; also brush piles, squirrel nests, and old tent caterpillar nests |
| Range | Native to Asia, recently introduced to NA (has spread across the eastern half of the US* & e Canada) and Europe _____________ *at least to c.TX (taken at my porch lights). =v= |
What does Amphiareus obscuriceps eat?
The diet of the Amphiareus obscuriceps includes small arthropods, probably including psocids, thrips, etc..
When is Amphiareus obscuriceps active?
Amphiareus obscuriceps: seasonal activity - year-round; adults may overwinter.