Megalopsallus brendae
This record describes Megalopsallus brendae (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by generally pale greenish coloration of dorsum contrasting with dark antennal segment 1.
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
- Nasocorini
- Genus
- Megalopsallus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Mojave Desert (AZ, CA, NV)
Seasonal Activity
There are records from April-May and November.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Lycium cooperi
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: R. Schuh: "Named for my wife Brenda Massie, who accompanied me in the field while collecting specimens of this and many other species of Megalopsallus ."
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalopsallus brendae. 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 Megalopsallus brendae (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalopsallus brendae
What is Megalopsallus brendae?
Megalopsallus brendae is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Megalopsallus brendae?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 2.74-3.16 mm |
| Female | 2.53-2.90 mm |
How do you identify Megalopsallus brendae?
Recognized by generally pale greenish coloration of dorsum contrasting with dark antennal segment 1.
Where is Megalopsallus brendae found?
Range: Mojave Desert (AZ, CA, NV)
What does Megalopsallus brendae eat?
The diet of the Megalopsallus brendae includes Lycium cooperi.
When is Megalopsallus brendae active?
Megalopsallus brendae: seasonal activity - There are records from April-May and November..