Potato Bug
Closterotomus norvegicus
This record describes Closterotomus norvegicus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: mostly green above, with two small black dots on anterior half of pronotum near midline; scutellum with dark marks at base (sometimes lacking); hemelytra of some specimens has reddish-brown tint; membranous portion of forewing fuscous, giving a dark-tailed appearance; length of second antennal segment approximately equal to third and fourth combined; spines on hind tibia shorter than width of tibia earliest NA record: QC, pre-1886
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
- Mirinae
- Tribe
- Mirini
- Genus
- Closterotomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
meadows, hedgerows, weedy fields
Geographic Range
native to w. Palaearctic, adventive elsewhere; in our area, e. & w. NA (earliest record: QC 1886)
Seasonal Activity
adults present from May to October in Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: alfalfa, white clover, and lotus seed crops in New Zealand; a key pest of pistachios in CA; also reported on nettle, poppy, thistle and other Asteraceae
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Closterotomus norvegicus. 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 Potato Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , onegunah , KenW
Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Bug
What is Potato Bug?
Potato Bug (Closterotomus norvegicus) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Potato Bug?
6-8 mm
How do you identify Potato Bug?
Adult: mostly green above, with two small black dots on anterior half of pronotum near midline; scutellum with dark marks at base (sometimes lacking); hemelytra of some specimens has reddish-brown tint; membranous portion of forewing fuscous, giving a dark-tailed appearance; length of second antennal segment approximately equal to third and fourth combined; spines on hind tibia shorter than width of tibia
Where is Potato Bug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | meadows, hedgerows, weedy fields |
| Range | native to w. Palaearctic, adventive elsewhere; in our area, e. & w. NA (earliest record: QC 1886) |
What does Potato Bug eat?
The diet of the Potato Bug includes alfalfa, white clover, and lotus seed crops in New Zealand; a key pest of pistachios in CA; also reported on nettle, poppy, thistle and other Asteraceae.
When is Potato Bug active?
Potato Bug: seasonal activity - adults present from May to October in Europe.