Megalopsallus pictipes
This record describes Megalopsallus pictipes (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by generally pale green coloration of dorsum and strongly contrasting deep red, often mottled, color of antennal segment 1 and all femora. Not easily confused with any other species.
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
"Interior western North America from northern Mexico north to southern Oregon."
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Allenrolfea , Chenopodium , Sarcobatus , Suaeda
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: pict- (L.) = painted, variegated -pes (L.) = foot
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalopsallus pictipes. 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 pictipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalopsallus pictipes
What is Megalopsallus pictipes?
Megalopsallus pictipes is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Megalopsallus pictipes?
Recognized by generally pale green coloration of dorsum and strongly contrasting deep red, often mottled, color of antennal segment 1 and all femora. Not easily confused with any other species.
Where is Megalopsallus pictipes found?
Range: Interior western North America from northern Mexico north to southern Oregon.
What does Megalopsallus pictipes eat?
The diet of the Megalopsallus pictipes includes Allenrolfea , Chenopodium , Sarcobatus , Suaeda.