Notostira elongata
This record describes Notostira elongata (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7.5 to 8.5 mm. Notostira species are elongate grass bugs with a longitudinal furrow between the eyes. The genus is sexually dimorphic; males have a black central stripe on the upperside, with the margins yellowish-green, while females are much paler. Females appear similar to Stenodema laevigata . However, the pronotum is smooth and unpunctured and there are dense dark hairs on the 1st antennal segment and hind tibiae. Notostira erratica is identical in appearance and can only be separated by gen det but this species has not yet been recorded in VC55. This species has two generations a year, the first maturing in early summer and the second from August onwards. The females of the autumn generation are larger and much pinker than the summer generation, although the males are very similar. The autumn generation mate and females overwinter, egg development resuming the following spring. Widespread and quite common in England and Wales.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland.
Seasonal Activity
All year, but peaking in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species has two generations a year, the first maturing in early summer and the second from August onwards. The females of the autumn generation are larger and much pinker than the summer generation, although the males are very similar. The autumn generation mate and females overwinter, egg development resuming the following spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and quite common in England and Wales.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Notostira elongata. 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 Notostira elongata (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Notostira elongata
What is Notostira elongata?
Notostira elongata is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Notostira elongata?
7.5 to 8.5 mm.
Where is Notostira elongata found?
Habitat: Grassland.
When is Notostira elongata active?
Notostira elongata: seasonal activity - All year, but peaking in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Notostira elongata?
This species has two generations a year, the first maturing in early summer and the second from August onwards. The females of the autumn generation are larger and much pinker than the summer generation, although the males are very similar. The autumn generation mate and females overwinter, egg development resuming the following spring.