Common Nettle Bug
Liocoris tripustulatus
This record describes Liocoris tripustulatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4-5 mm. A variable but distinctive species, the colour of the scutellum and cuneus ranges from cream to deep yellow and the pale legs are striped with black rings. Short dark spines are present on the tibiae. Head width = 1/2 pronotum width, length of 2nd antennal segment > head width. Variation in colour is strongly related to age. Anywhere that Nettles (the foodplant for all life stages) are to be found. On spring emergence following hibernation, the ground colour is typically darker and the cuneus more orange-yellow. Following mating, females may survive until the new generation of adults appears in mid-summer, which is generally paler and less intensely marked.
Wikipedia reference for Liocoris tripustulatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liocoris_tripustulatus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere that Nettles (the foodplant for all life stages) are to be found.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: all year
Diet and Behavior
Life History
On spring emergence following hibernation, the ground colour is typically darker and the cuneus more orange-yellow. Following mating, females may survive until the new generation of adults appears in mid-summer, which is generally paler and less intensely marked.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout Britain
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Liocoris tripustulatus. 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 Common Nettle Bug (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Nettle Bug
What is Common Nettle Bug?
Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Common Nettle Bug?
4-5 mm. A variable but distinctive species, the colour of the scutellum and cuneus ranges from cream to deep yellow and the pale legs are striped with black rings. Short dark spines are present on the tibiae. Head width = 1/2 pronotum width, length of 2nd antennal segment > head width. Variation in colour is strongly related to age.
Where is Common Nettle Bug found?
Habitat: Anywhere that Nettles (the foodplant for all life stages) are to be found.
When is Common Nettle Bug active?
Common Nettle Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: all year.
What is the life cycle of a Common Nettle Bug?
On spring emergence following hibernation, the ground colour is typically darker and the cuneus more orange-yellow. Following mating, females may survive until the new generation of adults appears in mid-summer, which is generally paler and less intensely marked.