Atractotomus nicholi
This record describes Atractotomus nicholi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by its small size; brownish yellow general coloration, sometimes suffused with fuscous dorsally but leaving scutellum pale; dorsum with light and dark scalelike setae; antennal segment II black, slightly inflated in both sexes (fig. 33); legs uniformly pale yellow, or with fuscous suffusion on femora of darker specimens; and structure of the male genitalia, especially the form of the vesica (fig. 151). Similar to acaciae in general appearance but distinguished by the paler dorsal coloration, and hemelytral membrane without scalelike setae.
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
Geographic Range
southern AZ & CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: Acacia greggii A. Gray
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Atractotomus nicholi. 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 Atractotomus nicholi
What is Atractotomus nicholi?
Atractotomus nicholi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Atractotomus nicholi?
1.59-2.06 mm (apex of tylus to cuneal fracture)
How do you identify Atractotomus nicholi?
Recognized by its small size; brownish yellow general coloration, sometimes suffused with fuscous dorsally but leaving scutellum pale; dorsum with light and dark scalelike setae; antennal segment II black, slightly inflated in both sexes (fig. 33); legs uniformly pale yellow, or with fuscous suffusion on femora of darker specimens; and structure of the male genitalia, especially the form of the vesica (fig. 151). Similar to acaciae in general appearance but distinguished by the paler dorsal coloration, and hemelytral membrane without scalelike setae.
Where is Atractotomus nicholi found?
Range: southern AZ & CA
What does Atractotomus nicholi eat?
The diet of the Atractotomus nicholi includes Host: Acacia greggii A. Gray.