Black Kneed Capsid
Blepharidopterus angulatus
This record describes Blepharidopterus angulatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 6 mm. A slender and parallel-sided blue-green species with black patches at the base of the rather bristly tibia ('knees'), parts of the antennae and at the posterior angles of the pronotum The length of the first antennal segment is roughly equal to the width of the head. The antennae are usually very long in males. The yellow markings on the scutellum and forewings are variable. Deciduous trees, including Birch, Alder, Apple, Lime, and Ash. Partly predatory, feeding largely on red spider mites.
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
- Orthotylinae
- Tribe
- Orthotylini
- Genus
- Blepharidopterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous trees, including Birch, Alder, Apple, Lime, and Ash.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: June - October
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Partly predatory, feeding largely on red spider mites.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Blepharidopterus angulatus. 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 Black Kneed Capsid (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Kneed Capsid
What is Black Kneed Capsid?
Black Kneed Capsid (Blepharidopterus angulatus) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Black Kneed Capsid?
5 to 6 mm. A slender and parallel-sided blue-green species with black patches at the base of the rather bristly tibia ('knees'), parts of the antennae and at the posterior angles of the pronotum The length of the first antennal segment is roughly equal to the width of the head. The antennae are usually very long in males. The yellow markings on the scutellum and forewings are variable.
Where is Black Kneed Capsid found?
Habitat: Deciduous trees, including Birch, Alder, Apple, Lime, and Ash.
When is Black Kneed Capsid active?
Black Kneed Capsid: seasonal activity - Adult: June - October.
What is the life cycle of a Black Kneed Capsid?
Partly predatory, feeding largely on red spider mites.