Anthocoris musculus
This record describes Anthocoris musculus (species). Recorded family: Anthocoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Anthocoris musculus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthocoris_musculus.
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
- Anthocorini
- Genus
- Anthocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common on deciduous trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
Geographic Range
most of NA (transcontinental)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: soft-bodied, leaf-feeding insects, principally lace bugs on deciduous trees
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthocoris musculus (Say 1832)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Anthocoris musculus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthocoris musculus
How big is Anthocoris musculus?
♂ 3.36-3.64 mm, ♀ 3.78-4.06 mm
Where is Anthocoris musculus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common on deciduous trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants |
| Range | most of NA (transcontinental) |
What does Anthocoris musculus eat?
The diet of the Anthocoris musculus includes soft-bodied, leaf-feeding insects, principally lace bugs on deciduous trees.