Mullein Bug
Campylomma verbasci
This record describes Campylomma verbasci (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
First found in the US in 1886 Used as biocontrol of orchard pests. Its populations, especially early in the season, have to be monitored so that they don't damage fruits in the absence of sufficient prey. In Europe it is not known to damage fruits and it is valued as a biocontrol.
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
- Campylomma (Mullein Bug)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fruit trees and mullein ( Verbascum ) from which it gets its name.
Geographic Range
native to Europe, n. & e. Africa, Middle East to China; adventive in our area (Canada, ne. & nw. US: CT-NE-VA, WA) ( map )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Generalist predator of apple and pear orchard pests. Prey includes aphids, mites, thrips, and pear psylla. If prey is scarce they resort to plant food and cause damage to some fruits (mostly cosmetic). mostly on Verbascum (Scrophulariaceae) later in the season
Life History
Overwinters as an egg in apple and pear bark and perhaps other woody deciduous hosts. Two to four generations per year in the Pacific Northwest.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Campylomma verbasci (Meyer-Dur 1843)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Campylomma verbasci. 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 Mullein Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mullein Bug
What is Mullein Bug?
Mullein Bug (Campylomma verbasci) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Mullein Bug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Fruit trees and mullein ( Verbascum ) from which it gets its name. |
| Range | native to Europe, n. & e. Africa, Middle East to China; adventive in our area (Canada, ne. & nw. US: CT-NE-VA, WA) ( map ) |
What does Mullein Bug eat?
The diet of the Mullein Bug includes Generalist predator of apple and pear orchard pests. Prey includes aphids, mites, thrips, and pear psylla. If prey is scarce they resort to plant food and cause damage to some fruits (mostly cosmetic). mostly on Verbascum (Scrophulariaceae) later in the season.
What is the life cycle of a Mullein Bug?
Overwinters as an egg in apple and pear bark and perhaps other woody deciduous hosts. Two to four generations per year in the Pacific Northwest.