Megacoelum infusum
This record describes Megacoelum infusum (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 7 mm. A striking orange-brown bug with long legs and antennae. The upperside is smooth and almost completely hairless. The rear of the corium is usually dark and the cuneus entirely orange. The tibial spines in this species are roughly equal to the tibial width. The closely related and similar M. beckeri has longer tibial spines and is found on Scots pine. Feeds on small insects as well as oak sap. Fairly frequent across most of England and Wales.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
M. infusum is found on oak.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on small insects as well as oak sap.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent across most of England and Wales.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megacoelum infusum. 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 Megacoelum infusum (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Megacoelum infusum
What is Megacoelum infusum?
Megacoelum infusum is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Megacoelum infusum?
about 7 mm. A striking orange-brown bug with long legs and antennae. The upperside is smooth and almost completely hairless. The rear of the corium is usually dark and the cuneus entirely orange. The tibial spines in this species are roughly equal to the tibial width. The closely related and similar M. beckeri has longer tibial spines and is found on Scots pine.
Where is Megacoelum infusum found?
Habitat: M. infusum is found on oak.
When is Megacoelum infusum active?
Megacoelum infusum: seasonal activity - Adult: July to October..
What is the life cycle of a Megacoelum infusum?
Feeds on small insects as well as oak sap.