HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Occidentodema mcfarlandi

This record describes Occidentodema mcfarlandi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Occidentodema mcfarlandi - Occidentodema mcfarlandi
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Recognized by the overall pale golden-yellow coloration, the lack of a fuscous spot on the tylus, the numerous, small fuscous spots on the femora, particularly the metafemur, and by the strong fuscous lines along the dorsal margin of each femur. Type Locality: AZ, Cochise Co., Huachuca Mtns, Ash Canyon

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
Phylini
Genus
Occidentodema

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

sw.UT-AZ-w.TX / Mex. (Aguascalientes, Sonora)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: asso. w/ a half dozen oak spp. ( Quercus )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Named in honor of Noel McFarland, a prolific collector of mirids.

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Occidentodema mcfarlandi. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Occidentodema mcfarlandi (5)

Occidentodema mcfarlandi - photo 1
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Occidentodema mcfarlandi - photo 2
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Occidentodema mcfarlandi - photo 3
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Occidentodema mcfarlandi - photo 4
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Occidentodema mcfarlandi - photo 5
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Occidentodema mcfarlandi

What is Occidentodema mcfarlandi?

Occidentodema mcfarlandi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Occidentodema mcfarlandi?
FeatureDetails
Male3.28-3.88 mm
Female3.24-3.84 mm
How do you identify Occidentodema mcfarlandi?

Recognized by the overall pale golden-yellow coloration, the lack of a fuscous spot on the tylus, the numerous, small fuscous spots on the femora, particularly the metafemur, and by the strong fuscous lines along the dorsal margin of each femur.

Where is Occidentodema mcfarlandi found?

Range: sw.UT-AZ-w.TX / Mex. (Aguascalientes, Sonora)

What does Occidentodema mcfarlandi eat?

The diet of the Occidentodema mcfarlandi includes asso. w/ a half dozen oak spp. ( Quercus ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.