Brooksetta malvastri
This record describes Brooksetta malvastri (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Inspection of male genitalia (namely, shape of right paramere and tergal process on anterodorsal edge of genital cavity) is generally needed to differentiate this from similar species. Females are identified by association with males. However, different species may be found together on the same host plant, and in such cases, females can be very difficult to assign to species.
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
- Brooksetta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on Sphaeralcea and occasionally on other Malvaceae (Botz, personal observation)
Geographic Range
AZ, CA ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species epithet from Malvastrum , the (now outdated) genus name for its host plant (now called Sphaeralcea ).
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Brooksetta malvastri. 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 Brooksetta malvastri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Brooksetta malvastri
What is Brooksetta malvastri?
Brooksetta malvastri is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Brooksetta malvastri?
3.4-3.5 mm
How do you identify Brooksetta malvastri?
Inspection of male genitalia (namely, shape of right paramere and tergal process on anterodorsal edge of genital cavity) is generally needed to differentiate this from similar species. Females are identified by association with males. However, different species may be found together on the same host plant, and in such cases, females can be very difficult to assign to species.
Where is Brooksetta malvastri found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on Sphaeralcea and occasionally on other Malvaceae (Botz, personal observation) |
| Range | AZ, CA ( 3 ) |