Lucerne Bug
Adelphocoris lineolatus
This record describes Adelphocoris lineolatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to10 mm. Although one of several similar pale greenish species. Defining features include its large size and rather elongate body shape. The spines on the hind tibia are equal to or greater than the tibial width. The prominent pale cuneus and dark lines down the inner edges of the forewings are also useful characters. On restharrows, clovers, vetches and other legumes, in both dry and damp grassland. Associated with various legumes (see above). Found across the UK but most common in the south east of England.
Wikipedia reference for Adelphocoris lineolatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelphocoris_lineolatus.
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
- Mirini
- Genus
- Adelphocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On restharrows, clovers, vetches and other legumes, in both dry and damp grassland.
Seasonal Activity
July to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Associated with various legumes (see above).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found across the UK but most common in the south east of England.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Adelphocoris lineolatus. 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 Lucerne Bug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucerne Bug
What is Lucerne Bug?
Lucerne Bug (Adelphocoris lineolatus) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Lucerne Bug?
8 to10 mm. Although one of several similar pale greenish species. Defining features include its large size and rather elongate body shape. The spines on the hind tibia are equal to or greater than the tibial width. The prominent pale cuneus and dark lines down the inner edges of the forewings are also useful characters.
Where is Lucerne Bug found?
Habitat: On restharrows, clovers, vetches and other legumes, in both dry and damp grassland.
When is Lucerne Bug active?
Lucerne Bug: seasonal activity - July to October..
What is the life cycle of a Lucerne Bug?
Associated with various legumes (see above).