Atractotomus balli
This record describes Atractotomus balli (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by its small size; short second antennal segment; generally distributed, scalelike setae on hemelytral membrane and hind femora; antennal fossae removed from anteroventral margin of eye by distance equal to or greater than diameter of antennal segment I; and vesica with apical gonopore and long, densely spinose gonopore sclerite.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Miridae (Plant Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Phylinae
- Tribe
- Nasocorini
- Genus
- Atractotomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Collected on the families Rhamnaceae and Rosaceae: Ceanothus spp., Coleogyna ramosissima Torr., Cercocarpus spp., Condalia sp., Cowania mexicana D. Don var. stansburiana (Torr.) Jeps., and Purshia spp.
Geographic Range
western states
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Atractotomus balli. 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 Atractotomus balli (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Harsi S. Parker , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Atractotomus balli
What is Atractotomus balli?
Atractotomus balli is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Atractotomus balli?
1.70-1.92 mm (from apex of tylus to cuneal fracture)
How do you identify Atractotomus balli?
Recognized by its small size; short second antennal segment; generally distributed, scalelike setae on hemelytral membrane and hind femora; antennal fossae removed from anteroventral margin of eye by distance equal to or greater than diameter of antennal segment I; and vesica with apical gonopore and long, densely spinose gonopore sclerite.
Where is Atractotomus balli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Collected on the families Rhamnaceae and Rosaceae: Ceanothus spp., Coleogyna ramosissima Torr., Cercocarpus spp., Condalia sp., Cowania mexicana D. Don var. stansburiana (Torr.) Jeps., and Purshia spp. |
| Range | western states |