Livia juncorum
This record describes Livia juncorum (species). Recorded family: Liviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Livia juncorum is a small (2.5 mm) brown jumping plant louse that causes galls to form on certain Juncus rush species. The shoots become shortened and thickened and bunch into a mass up to 8 cm long including the flowers whose parts become leafy and thickened; reddish at first, later brown. Wet areas where certain Juncus species such as Sharp Rush, Jointed Rush and Toad Rush are present. Widespread and locally frequent in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wet areas where certain Juncus species such as Sharp Rush, Jointed Rush and Toad Rush are present.
Seasonal Activity
June to October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and locally frequent in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Livia juncorum. 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 Livia juncorum (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Livia juncorum
What is Livia juncorum?
Livia juncorum is a species in the family Liviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Livia juncorum found?
Habitat: Wet areas where certain Juncus species such as Sharp Rush, Jointed Rush and Toad Rush are present.
When is Livia juncorum active?
Livia juncorum: seasonal activity - June to October..