Megalopsallus teretis
This record describes Megalopsallus teretis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by totally blackish brown coloration and spindle-shaped antennal segment 2 in female.
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
NV, UT, south to Zacatecas, Mexico
Seasonal Activity
There are records from April to July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Lycium sp. (Solanaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: teret- (L.) round, smooth. Named with reference to the cylindrical shape of the second antennomere.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megalopsallus teretis. 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 teretis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalopsallus teretis
What is Megalopsallus teretis?
Megalopsallus teretis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Megalopsallus teretis?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 2.82–3.60 mm |
| Female | 2.28–2.64 mm |
How do you identify Megalopsallus teretis?
Recognized by totally blackish brown coloration and spindle-shaped antennal segment 2 in female.
Where is Megalopsallus teretis found?
Range: NV, UT, south to Zacatecas, Mexico
What does Megalopsallus teretis eat?
The diet of the Megalopsallus teretis includes Lycium sp. (Solanaceae).
When is Megalopsallus teretis active?
Megalopsallus teretis: seasonal activity - There are records from April to July..