Orius laevigatus
This record describes Orius laevigatus (species). Recorded family: Anthocoridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2.2 to 2.5 mm. Front and rear angles of pronotum each with a long hair; mid-tibia pale brown; dorsal body surface not entirely black. Microscopic examination and/or dissection required. Can be found on various plants where it searches for prey. Adult predatory, eating thrips, aphids, whitefly and moth eggs. The nymphs mainly devour thrips larvae. Adults and nymphs can survive on pollen. Common, widely used as a biological predator.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Anthocoridae
- Genus
- Orius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Can be found on various plants where it searches for prey.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adult predatory, eating thrips, aphids, whitefly and moth eggs. The nymphs mainly devour thrips larvae. Adults and nymphs can survive on pollen.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common, widely used as a biological predator.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Orius laevigatus. 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 Orius laevigatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orius laevigatus
What is Orius laevigatus?
Orius laevigatus is a species in the family Anthocoridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Orius laevigatus?
2.2 to 2.5 mm. Front and rear angles of pronotum each with a long hair; mid-tibia pale brown; dorsal body surface not entirely black.
Where is Orius laevigatus found?
Habitat: Can be found on various plants where it searches for prey.
When is Orius laevigatus active?
Orius laevigatus: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Orius laevigatus?
Adult predatory, eating thrips, aphids, whitefly and moth eggs. The nymphs mainly devour thrips larvae. Adults and nymphs can survive on pollen.