Drymus pumilio
This record describes Drymus pumilio (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Drymus pumilio is a particularly small, dull brown species, length 2.5-3mm. Small tooth on front femur; tibiae with hairs shorter than width of tibia; pronotum black anteriorly, brown posteriorly; forewings usually at least as long as the abdomen. Other Lygaeids, especially Stygnocoris fuligineus , but this has a uniform series of fine erect spines at right angles to the ventral face of the femur, c.f. a tooth. Detailed photos and measurements required. Chalk grassland, but also from wet grasslands and fens. Found locally across southern and central England and parts of south Wales. (Nationally scarce NS (Nb) - ref. UK Heteroptera checklist 2021 ) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/Drymus_pumilio.html No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Chalk grassland, but also from wet grasslands and fens.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found locally across southern and central England and parts of south Wales. (Nationally scarce NS (Nb) - ref.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Drymus pumilio. 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 Drymus pumilio (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Drymus pumilio
What is Drymus pumilio?
Drymus pumilio is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Drymus pumilio?
2.5-3mm. Small tooth on front femur; tibiae with hairs shorter than width of tibia; pronotum black anteriorly, brown posteriorly; forewings usually at least as long as the abdomen.
Where is Drymus pumilio found?
Habitat: Chalk grassland, but also from wet grasslands and fens.
When is Drymus pumilio active?
Drymus pumilio: seasonal activity - All year..