Megaloceroea recticornis
This record describes Megaloceroea recticornis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to 10mm. This is an elongate grass bug with extremely long antennae and long slender hind legs which differentiate it from the similar-looking Stenodema species. Its colour varies from green to straw yellow in the adult, whilst nymphs are green with two brown bands on the thorax. The tarsi are all dark. It has a longitudinal furrow between the eyes in common with others in this group. It can be separated from the similar Notostira elongata by the fact that the 1st antennal segment is covered with short spinose hairs. The hairs on the tibia are shorter than the spines (c.f. Notostira where the tibial hairs and the spines are the same length). This species can be identified from good quality photographs with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with.
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
- Stenodemini
- Genus
- Megaloceroea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland, meadows and woodland edges.
Seasonal Activity
June to September
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megaloceroea recticornis. 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 Megaloceroea recticornis (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Megaloceroea recticornis
What is Megaloceroea recticornis?
Megaloceroea recticornis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Megaloceroea recticornis found?
Habitat: Grassland, meadows and woodland edges.
When is Megaloceroea recticornis active?
Megaloceroea recticornis: seasonal activity - June to September.