Megalopsallus nicholi
This record describes Megalopsallus nicholi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by castaneous head, pronotum, and scutellum contrasting with pale corium, clavus, and membrane, and cuneus always at least weakly darkened and reddish.
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
AZ, NV, south to Zacatecas, Mexico
Seasonal Activity
There are records from April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Lycium sp. (Solanaceae), with some records also on Condalia globosa (Rhamnaceae), Shepherdia argentea (Eleagnaceae), and Solanum eleagnifolium (Solanaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named in honor of Knight's friend and prolific collector, A. A. Nichol.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalopsallus nicholi. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalopsallus nicholi
What is Megalopsallus nicholi?
Megalopsallus nicholi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Megalopsallus nicholi?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 3.02–3.48 mm |
| Female | 2.37–2.59 mm |
How do you identify Megalopsallus nicholi?
Recognized by castaneous head, pronotum, and scutellum contrasting with pale corium, clavus, and membrane, and cuneus always at least weakly darkened and reddish.
Where is Megalopsallus nicholi found?
Range: AZ, NV, south to Zacatecas, Mexico
What does Megalopsallus nicholi eat?
The diet of the Megalopsallus nicholi includes Lycium sp. (Solanaceae), with some records also on Condalia globosa (Rhamnaceae), Shepherdia argentea (Eleagnaceae), and Solanum eleagnifolium (Solanaceae).
When is Megalopsallus nicholi active?
Megalopsallus nicholi: seasonal activity - There are records from April to September..