Megalopsallus sparsus
This record describes Megalopsallus sparsus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized among small, at least partly greenish, Megalopsallus species by gray to black eyes and frequently dark head, anterior lobe of pronotum, and mesoscutum. Thoracic pleuron and venter and abdominal venter infuscate in male, pale in female. Most easily confused with parapunctipes and punctipes on basis of size, sexual dimorphism, general coloration, and host associations. Male genitalia distinctive.
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
"Western North America from Alberta and Saskatchewan south to Baja California."
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Atriplex sp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: spars- (L.) = thin, scattered
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalopsallus sparsus. 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 sparsus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jbotz
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalopsallus sparsus
What is Megalopsallus sparsus?
Megalopsallus sparsus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Megalopsallus sparsus?
Recognized among small, at least partly greenish, Megalopsallus species by gray to black eyes and frequently dark head, anterior lobe of pronotum, and mesoscutum. Thoracic pleuron and venter and abdominal venter infuscate in male, pale in female. Most easily confused with parapunctipes and punctipes on basis of size, sexual dimorphism, general coloration, and host associations. Male genitalia distinctive.
Where is Megalopsallus sparsus found?
Range: Western North America from Alberta and Saskatchewan south to Baja California.
What does Megalopsallus sparsus eat?
The diet of the Megalopsallus sparsus includes Atriplex sp..