Merocoris typhaeus
This record describes Merocoris typhaeus (species). Recorded family: Coreidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Differentiation of the three North American species in this genus is, perhaps, problematic. The description below is modified from Blatchley , and should be taken with a grain of salt, as that is an older reference. See guide page for Merorcoris for other characters. Key characters: Head subtriangular, prolonged in front between the bases of antennae; first joint of antennae subclavate, tapering below the middle, sparsely, finely pubescent; beak reaching behind middle coxae. Additional description--comparing with the other eastern species, distinctus : Differs from distinctus mainly by the characters given in key (above). Slightly shorter and more slender, color much the same; pubescence less dense. |
| Head | Head distinctly more prolonged and more narrowed in front of antennae, the tylus more convex and prominent; antennae more slender, less bristly-haired, the basal joint dark chestnut-brown, shining, almost glabrous, more slender, more curved and more tapering toward base than that of distinctus ; apical joint also more tapering toward base, thickest beyond middle, in distinctus of nearly equal thickness beyond the basal fourth. Antenniferous tubercles shorter and less divergent. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum narrower, the sides less convergent with fewer tubercles along the edges; humeri less prominent; disk more even with fewer tubercles than in distinctus. Type Locality: Carolina |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Coreoidea
- Family
- Coreidae (Leaf-footed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Meropachyinae
- Genus
- Merocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US to Calif. (CA-FL-NY-UT) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly across s. US
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: typhaeus (G). 'smoke'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Merocoris typhaeus. 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 Merocoris typhaeus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Merocoris typhaeus
What is Merocoris typhaeus?
Merocoris typhaeus is a species in the family Coreidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Merocoris typhaeus?
7-8 mm
How do you identify Merocoris typhaeus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Differentiation of the three North American species in this genus is, perhaps, problematic. The description below is modified from Blatchley , and should be taken with a grain of salt, as that is an older reference. See guide page for Merorcoris for other characters. Key characters: Head subtriangular, prolonged in front between the bases of antennae; first joint of antennae subclavate, tapering below the middle, sparsely, finely pubescent; beak reaching behind middle coxae. Additional description--comparing with the other eastern species, distinctus : Differs from distinctus mainly by the characters given in key (above). Slightly shorter and more slender, color much the same; pubescence less dense. |
| Head | Head distinctly more prolonged and more narrowed in front of antennae, the tylus more convex and prominent; antennae more slender, less bristly-haired, the basal joint dark chestnut-brown, shining, almost glabrous, more slender, more curved and more tapering toward base than that of distinctus ; apical joint also more tapering toward base, thickest beyond middle, in distinctus of nearly equal thickness beyond the basal fourth. Antenniferous tubercles shorter and less divergent. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum narrower, the sides less convergent with fewer tubercles along the edges; humeri less prominent; disk more even with fewer tubercles than in distinctus. |
Where is Merocoris typhaeus found?
Range: e. US to Calif. (CA-FL-NY-UT) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , mostly across s. US