Ceratocapsus modestus
This record describes Ceratocapsus modestus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Separated from other Ceratocapsus by the lack of pilose or tomentose pubescence on the hemelytra, the overall yellowish-brown color with the more fuscous pronotum, scutellum and apical portion of the hemelytra , and the male genitalia. Det. Brad Barnd, 2022 - ID'd from specimen *Some may be all dark, lacking the basal pale area across hemelytra.*
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
- Ceratocapsini
- Genus
- Ceratocapsus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to e. Rockies - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Breeds on Quercus spp. and Vitis sp.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ceratocapsus modestus. 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 Ceratocapsus modestus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ceratocapsus modestus
What is Ceratocapsus modestus?
Ceratocapsus modestus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Ceratocapsus modestus?
4.34-4.55 mm
How do you identify Ceratocapsus modestus?
Separated from other Ceratocapsus by the lack of pilose or tomentose pubescence on the hemelytra, the overall yellowish-brown color with the more fuscous pronotum, scutellum and apical portion of the hemelytra , and the male genitalia. Det. Brad Barnd, 2022 - ID'd from specimen *Some may be all dark, lacking the basal pale area across hemelytra.*
Where is Ceratocapsus modestus found?
Range: e. NA to e. Rockies - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Ceratocapsus modestus eat?
The diet of the Ceratocapsus modestus includes Breeds on Quercus spp. and Vitis sp..
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