Neocapsus leviscutatus
This record describes Neocapsus leviscutatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Form and size of cardinalis ; elytra mostly deep blue-black; head, pronotum, scutellum and cuneus pale or sanguineous. Length 6 mm. (Van Duzee, 1912) - image from Dallas Co., TX Det. v belov, 2017 common at lights in Texas, nearly 500 TX observations
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
- Mirinae
- Tribe
- Mirini
- Genus
- Neocapsus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se.US (WV‒MO to MS‒TX) / ne. Mex. (NL) ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: post oak ( Quercus stellata , Fagaceae) ( 8 ) , white oak ( Quercus alba ) ( 9 ) , Texas red oak ( Quercus buckleyi ) ( 12 ) , and Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) ( 12 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neocapsus leviscutatus Knight 1925
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Neocapsus leviscutatus. 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 Neocapsus leviscutatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , onegunah , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Neocapsus leviscutatus
What is Neocapsus leviscutatus?
Neocapsus leviscutatus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Neocapsus leviscutatus?
5.5‒6 mm
How do you identify Neocapsus leviscutatus?
Form and size of cardinalis ; elytra mostly deep blue-black; head, pronotum, scutellum and cuneus pale or sanguineous. Length 6 mm. (Van Duzee, 1912) - image from Dallas Co., TX Det. v belov, 2017
Where is Neocapsus leviscutatus found?
Range: se.US (WV‒MO to MS‒TX) / ne. Mex. (NL) ( 5 )
What does Neocapsus leviscutatus eat?
The diet of the Neocapsus leviscutatus includes post oak ( Quercus stellata , Fagaceae) ( 8 ) , white oak ( Quercus alba ) ( 9 ) , Texas red oak ( Quercus buckleyi ) ( 12 ) , and Texas live oak ( Quercus fusiformis ) ( 12 ).