Compsidolon salicellum
This record describes Compsidolon salicellum (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 4mm. The pale greyish-yellow ground colour of this bug is often broken up by brown spotting across the forewings, although the cuneus is pale. The hind femora are dark, particularly towards the apex and there are dark marks on the wing membrane. This species was previously considered part of the Psallus group. Clear photographs in habitat or from a specimen Bramble, hazel, alder, sallows, and apple. A common and widespread mirid in southern Britain, appearing relatively late in the summer. It is a predator of mites and sometimes appears in large numbers on bramble heads in August and September.
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
- Phylini
- Genus
- Compsidolon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Bramble, hazel, alder, sallows, and apple.
Seasonal Activity
July-October
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common and widespread mirid in southern Britain, appearing relatively late in the summer. It is a predator of mites and sometimes appears in large numbers on bramble heads in August and September.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Compsidolon salicellum. 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 Compsidolon salicellum (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Compsidolon salicellum
What is Compsidolon salicellum?
Compsidolon salicellum is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Compsidolon salicellum?
about 4mm. The pale greyish-yellow ground colour of this bug is often broken up by brown spotting across the forewings, although the cuneus is pale. The hind femora are dark, particularly towards the apex and there are dark marks on the wing membrane. This species was previously considered part of the Psallus group.
Where is Compsidolon salicellum found?
Habitat: Bramble, hazel, alder, sallows, and apple.
When is Compsidolon salicellum active?
Compsidolon salicellum: seasonal activity - July-October.