Megalocoleus molliculus
This record describes Megalocoleus molliculus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4.5 mm. There are two species in this genus, both of which are fairly distinctive. The tibial spines are wider than the tibial width and the apical segment of the tarsi is dark. Megalocoleus molliculus is pale blue-green in colour, mottled with grey. The upper surface is covered in fine brown hairs. Good quality photographs are required to support records please. Found in a variety of grassland habitats, feeding on Yarrow. A common and widespread species throughout the UK.
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
- Phylinae
- Tribe
- Phylini
- Genus
- Megalocoleus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a variety of grassland habitats, feeding on Yarrow.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common and widespread species throughout the UK.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalocoleus molliculus. 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 Megalocoleus molliculus (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalocoleus molliculus
What is Megalocoleus molliculus?
Megalocoleus molliculus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Megalocoleus molliculus?
4.5 mm. There are two species in this genus, both of which are fairly distinctive. The tibial spines are wider than the tibial width and the apical segment of the tarsi is dark.
Where is Megalocoleus molliculus found?
Habitat: Found in a variety of grassland habitats, feeding on Yarrow.
When is Megalocoleus molliculus active?
Megalocoleus molliculus: seasonal activity - Adult: July to September..