Harpocera thoracica
This record describes Harpocera thoracica (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 6 mm. A handsome bug. The sexes are dimorphic and very different in appearance; males are more elongate in shape, with longer tibiae and a distinctive inflated 2nd antennal segment. Adults appear in the spring and are short-lived (particularly males), the species spending almost all the year in the egg stage and larval development taking only 2 weeks. The reddish nymphs are covered in dark hairs and the two basal antennal segments are thickened. Males are attracted to UV light and may be found in moth traps.
Wikipedia reference for Harpocera thoracica: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpocera_thoracica.
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
- Mirinae
- Tribe
- Cremnorrhini
- Genus
- Harpocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Favouring Oak.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: May-June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults appear in the spring and are short-lived (particularly males), the species spending almost all the year in the egg stage and larval development taking only 2 weeks. The reddish nymphs are covered in dark hairs and the two basal antennal segments are thickened. Males are attracted to UV light and may be found in moth traps.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very common throughout Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Harpocera thoracica. 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 Harpocera thoracica (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harpocera thoracica
What is Harpocera thoracica?
Harpocera thoracica is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Harpocera thoracica?
about 6 mm. A handsome bug. The sexes are dimorphic and very different in appearance; males are more elongate in shape, with longer tibiae and a distinctive inflated 2nd antennal segment.
Where is Harpocera thoracica found?
Habitat: Favouring Oak.
When is Harpocera thoracica active?
Harpocera thoracica: seasonal activity - Adult: May-June..
What is the life cycle of a Harpocera thoracica?
Adults appear in the spring and are short-lived (particularly males), the species spending almost all the year in the egg stage and larval development taking only 2 weeks. The reddish nymphs are covered in dark hairs and the two basal antennal segments are thickened. Males are attracted to UV light and may be found in moth traps.