Dictyla convergens
This record describes Dictyla convergens (species). Recorded family: Tingidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
3.5 to 4.0 mm. The sides of the pronotum are noticeably down-turned, a feature it shares with species in the genus Physatocheila. However, unlike Physatocheila, only the central of the three keels reaches the head. There are several dark areas on the forewings on top of a pale brown ground. Dictyla echii - differs from D. convergens in several respects: generally more darkly marked and has black femora with pale apices as well as a blackish pronotal disk. The frontal processes on the head are largely absent (weakly developed on D. convergens) and first and second antennal segments are black. The inflated lateral margins of the pronotum are also noticeably narrower in D. echii as well as contrasting well with the darker pronotal disk. Can be identified by external structure at 5-10X magnification. Found on Water Forget-me-not, the host plant. Overwinters as an adult. There may be several generations in a year in Southern districts. Widely distributed but local in wetland habitats across England and Wales. Few records from Scotland.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on Water Forget-me-not, the host plant.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as an adult. There may be several generations in a year in Southern districts.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed but local in wetland habitats across England and Wales. Few records from Scotland.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Dictyla convergens. 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 Dictyla convergens (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dictyla convergens
What is Dictyla convergens?
Dictyla convergens is a species in the family Tingidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Dictyla convergens found?
Habitat: Found on Water Forget-me-not, the host plant.
When is Dictyla convergens active?
Dictyla convergens: seasonal activity - Adult: All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Dictyla convergens?
Overwinters as an adult. There may be several generations in a year in Southern districts.