Megalopsallus humeralis
This record describes Megalopsallus humeralis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by frequently dark coloration of most of dorsum and femora, or at least dark coloration of head, pronotum, scutellum, and femora, with pale hemelytra. Most easily confused with nigrofemoratus on basis of size, coloration, and type of sexual dimorphism; separated most easily by differences in structure of male genitalia, vesica being more elongate and slender in nigrofemoratus than in humeralis , and fact that nigrofemoratus feeds on Atriplex and Grayia (Chenopodiaceae) rather than Lycium (Solanaceae), the latter appearing as exclusive host of humeralis . Pale specimens separated from Lycium -feeding nicholi by cuneus being unicolorous with corium, rather than of at least moderately contrasting coloration as in nicholi .
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
"Sonora and Baja California, Mexico north as far as southern Utah in interior western North America."
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Lycium
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalopsallus humeralis. 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 humeralis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalopsallus humeralis
What is Megalopsallus humeralis?
Megalopsallus humeralis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Megalopsallus humeralis?
Recognized by frequently dark coloration of most of dorsum and femora, or at least dark coloration of head, pronotum, scutellum, and femora, with pale hemelytra. Most easily confused with nigrofemoratus on basis of size, coloration, and type of sexual dimorphism; separated most easily by differences in structure of male genitalia, vesica being more elongate and slender in nigrofemoratus than in humeralis , and fact that nigrofemoratus feeds on Atriplex and Grayia (Chenopodiaceae) rather than Lycium (Solanaceae), the latter appearing as exclusive host of humeralis . Pale specimens separated from Lycium -feeding nicholi by cuneus being unicolorous with corium, rather than of at least moderately contrasting coloration as in nicholi .
Where is Megalopsallus humeralis found?
Range: Sonora and Baja California, Mexico north as far as southern Utah in interior western North America.
What does Megalopsallus humeralis eat?
The diet of the Megalopsallus humeralis includes Lycium.