Megalopsallus nigricaput
This record describes Megalopsallus nigricaput (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized unequivocally by the dark head, first antennal segment, coxae, femora, and thoracic sternum in contrast to otherwise almost white to weakly greenish coloration.
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
Habitat
Known hosts are Lycium pallidum (Solanaceae) and Shepherdia argentea (Eleagnaceae).
Geographic Range
AZ, NV, UT
Seasonal Activity
early May through June
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "nigr-" (L) = black "caput" (L) = head
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalopsallus nigricaput. 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 nigricaput (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalopsallus nigricaput
What is Megalopsallus nigricaput?
Megalopsallus nigricaput is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Megalopsallus nigricaput?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 3.35-3.44 mm |
| Female | 3.11-3.24 mm |
How do you identify Megalopsallus nigricaput?
Recognized unequivocally by the dark head, first antennal segment, coxae, femora, and thoracic sternum in contrast to otherwise almost white to weakly greenish coloration.
Where is Megalopsallus nigricaput found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Known hosts are Lycium pallidum (Solanaceae) and Shepherdia argentea (Eleagnaceae). |
| Range | AZ, NV, UT |
When is Megalopsallus nigricaput active?
Megalopsallus nigricaput: seasonal activity - early May through June.