Conostethus venustus
This record describes Conostethus venustus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3.0 mm. Conostethus species have a distinctively shaped pronotum, which is much wider than long and has concave lateral margins. This species is usually easily recognised by the rosy markings on the clavus, cuneus and part of the corium, although uniformly green specimens do sometimes occur. Please provide a close-up photograph and state both host plant and size of bug. All populations have been associated with Mayweeds in early successional habitats with extensive areas of bare ground. Native to the Mediterranean, it has spread up the coast of France and was first recorded in Britain in 2010. Unusually for a recent arrival, the distribution is centred on northern England and it has been recorded from Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
All populations have been associated with Mayweeds in early successional habitats with extensive areas of bare ground.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: May to October
Additional species information
Recorded status
Native to the Mediterranean, it has spread up the coast of France and was first recorded in Britain in 2010. Unusually for a recent arrival, the distribution is centred on northern England and it has been recorded from Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Conostethus venustus. 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 Conostethus venustus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Conostethus venustus
What is Conostethus venustus?
Conostethus venustus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Conostethus venustus?
3.0 mm.
Where is Conostethus venustus found?
Habitat: All populations have been associated with Mayweeds in early successional habitats with extensive areas of bare ground.
When is Conostethus venustus active?
Conostethus venustus: seasonal activity - Adult: May to October.