Ceratocapsus nigellus
This record describes Ceratocapsus nigellus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized among species of Ceratocapsus lutescens group by: 1) Clavus and middle of corium clothed with silky or tomentose pubescence intermixed with simple, erect, semierect or pilose setae; 2) Dorsum with only shorter, more recumbent setae; and 3) Length 4.5 mm or more, general color fuscous to black, head often paler with a reddish tinge , antennae dark reddish brown to fuscous. Det. T. Henry, 2015 Resembles dark forms of modestus but readily distinguished by the type of pubescence; scutellum, and basal half of hemelytra bearing closely appressed, sericeous or scale-like pubescence .
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 US (OK-GA-NY-MN) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
May-Jun (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Carya sp., Quercus sp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ceratocapsus nigellus Knight, 1923
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ceratocapsus nigellus. 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 nigellus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ceratocapsus nigellus
What is Ceratocapsus nigellus?
Ceratocapsus nigellus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Ceratocapsus nigellus?
4.5 mm
How do you identify Ceratocapsus nigellus?
Recognized among species of Ceratocapsus lutescens group by: 1) Clavus and middle of corium clothed with silky or tomentose pubescence intermixed with simple, erect, semierect or pilose setae; 2) Dorsum with only shorter, more recumbent setae; and 3) Length 4.5 mm or more, general color fuscous to black, head often paler with a reddish tinge , antennae dark reddish brown to fuscous. Det. T. Henry, 2015 Resembles dark forms of modestus but readily distinguished by the type of pubescence; scutellum, and basal half of hemelytra bearing closely appressed, sericeous or scale-like pubescence .
Where is Ceratocapsus nigellus found?
Range: e US (OK-GA-NY-MN) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 )
What does Ceratocapsus nigellus eat?
The diet of the Ceratocapsus nigellus includes Carya sp., Quercus sp..
When is Ceratocapsus nigellus active?
Ceratocapsus nigellus: seasonal activity - May-Jun (BG data).