Bryocoris pteridis
This record describes Bryocoris pteridis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2 to 4 mm. A small bug found on ferns. Adults can be fully winged or have short rudimentary wings and the head is at least partly dark brown or black. The 1st antennal segment is longer than the width of the head. Be sure to rule out Monalocoris filicis (Bracken Bug) which has an entirely orange head. This species can be identified from good quality photographs with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with. This species can be identified from good quality photographs with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with. Damp woodlands where it may have a preference for shaded locations. Feeds on various ferns, but rarely on Bracken. Widespread, and said to be common in the UK. No additional images available for this 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
- Bryocorinae
- Tribe
- Bryocorini
- Genus
- Bryocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Damp woodlands where it may have a preference for shaded locations.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on various ferns, but rarely on Bracken.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread, and said to be common in the UK.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Bryocoris pteridis. 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 Bryocoris pteridis (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bryocoris pteridis
What is Bryocoris pteridis?
Bryocoris pteridis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Bryocoris pteridis?
2 to 4 mm. A small bug found on ferns. Adults can be fully winged or have short rudimentary wings and the head is at least partly dark brown or black. The 1st antennal segment is longer than the width of the head.
Where is Bryocoris pteridis found?
Habitat: Damp woodlands where it may have a preference for shaded locations.
When is Bryocoris pteridis active?
Bryocoris pteridis: seasonal activity - Adult: May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Bryocoris pteridis?
Feeds on various ferns, but rarely on Bracken.