Heterotoma planicornis
This record describes Heterotoma planicornis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4.5-5.5 mm. The broad and flattened 2nd antennal segment, dark ground colour and contrasting greenish legs make this species unmistakeable. On various plants and trees, in particular nettles. Both adults and the reddish nymphs feed on small insects as well as plant buds and unripe fruits. Eggs hatch in May, the nymphs becoming adult from June onwards.
Wikipedia reference for Heterotoma planicornis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterotoma_planicornis.
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
- Orthotylinae
- Tribe
- Orthotylini
- Genus
- Heterotoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On various plants and trees, in particular nettles.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July-October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Both adults and the reddish nymphs feed on small insects as well as plant buds and unripe fruits. Eggs hatch in May, the nymphs becoming adult from June onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Abundant throughout most of Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Heterotoma planicornis. 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 Heterotoma planicornis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Heterotoma planicornis
What is Heterotoma planicornis?
Heterotoma planicornis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Heterotoma planicornis?
4.5-5.5 mm. The broad and flattened 2nd antennal segment, dark ground colour and contrasting greenish legs make this species unmistakeable.
Where is Heterotoma planicornis found?
Habitat: On various plants and trees, in particular nettles.
When is Heterotoma planicornis active?
Heterotoma planicornis: seasonal activity - Adult: July-October..
What is the life cycle of a Heterotoma planicornis?
Both adults and the reddish nymphs feed on small insects as well as plant buds and unripe fruits. Eggs hatch in May, the nymphs becoming adult from June onwards.