Black Grass Bug
Labops hesperius
This record describes Labops hesperius (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
- Halticini
- Genus
- Labops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to western rangeland
Diet and Behavior
Diet: primarily grasses (will feed on some broadleaf plants in the absence of grasses), wheatgrasses being among the most preferred species
Life History
First instar are impeded by the long trichomes on some grasses.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Labops hesperius Uhler 1872
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Labops hesperius. 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 Black Grass Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Grass Bug
Where is Black Grass Bug found?
Range: native to western rangeland
What does Black Grass Bug eat?
The diet of the Black Grass Bug includes primarily grasses (will feed on some broadleaf plants in the absence of grasses), wheatgrasses being among the most preferred species.
What is the life cycle of a Black Grass Bug?
First instar are impeded by the long trichomes on some grasses.