Hamatophylus guttulosus
This record describes Hamatophylus guttulosus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. WonGun Kim, 2012 Hamatophylus guttulosus is not restricted to Quercus virginiana . In Mexico, it is also known from Q. polymorpha and Q. mircrolepis , among others, and Wheeler found it on Q. illicifolia in Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, the rather close matching of the distribution of Q. virginiana with the distribution here displayed for H. guttulosus might be an indication that Q. virginiana is an important if not the primary host for this bug species.
Identification notes
Det. WonGun Kim, 2012
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
- Hamatophylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US to CO‒AZ / Mex. - Map ; common in TX and FL
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒May ( 3 ) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: var. oaks, in central TX primarily on Quercus fusiformis , but across the se US, Q. virginiana appears to be a primary host
Life History
probably feeds on oak catkins, never visits flowers per BG and iNat data.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hamatophylus guttulosus (Reuter 1876)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Hamatophylus guttulosus. 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 Hamatophylus guttulosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamatophylus guttulosus
What is Hamatophylus guttulosus?
Hamatophylus guttulosus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Hamatophylus guttulosus?
3.3-3.8 mm
How do you identify Hamatophylus guttulosus?
Det. WonGun Kim, 2012
Where is Hamatophylus guttulosus found?
Range: se. US to CO‒AZ / Mex. - Map ; common in TX and FL
What does Hamatophylus guttulosus eat?
The diet of the Hamatophylus guttulosus includes hosts: var. oaks, in central TX primarily on Quercus fusiformis , but across the se US, Q. virginiana appears to be a primary host.
When is Hamatophylus guttulosus active?
Hamatophylus guttulosus: seasonal activity - Mar‒May ( 3 ) (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Hamatophylus guttulosus?
probably feeds on oak catkins, never visits flowers per BG and iNat data.