Macrolophus mimuli
This record describes Macrolophus mimuli (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar in appearance to two other species, M. lopezi (known from Baja California) and M. saileri (southern AZ, Mexico). Distinguished from M. lopezi by the larger size, and length of first antennal segment greater than width of vertex. Distinguished from M. saileri by the narrower head, smaller eyes (length subequal to the preocular distance), and the thinner, less distinct pale median line on the head and pronotum.
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
- Bryocorinae
- Tribe
- Dicyphini
- Genus
- Macrolophus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epithet refers to the reported host plant, Mimulus cardinalis .
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Macrolophus mimuli. 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 Macrolophus mimuli (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrolophus mimuli
What is Macrolophus mimuli?
Macrolophus mimuli is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Macrolophus mimuli?
2.8-3.1 mm. Specimens in the range of 2.3-2.4 mm are commonly found in southern AZ (JT Botz, personal observation).
How do you identify Macrolophus mimuli?
Very similar in appearance to two other species, M. lopezi (known from Baja California) and M. saileri (southern AZ, Mexico). Distinguished from M. lopezi by the larger size, and length of first antennal segment greater than width of vertex. Distinguished from M. saileri by the narrower head, smaller eyes (length subequal to the preocular distance), and the thinner, less distinct pale median line on the head and pronotum.
Where is Macrolophus mimuli found?
Range: AZ ( 3 )