Orthocephalus saltator
This record describes Orthocephalus saltator (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
tibiae reddish-brown to dull yellowish on front and middle legs, and sometimes also hindlegs (a distinguishing feature); dorsal surface black with numerous silvery hairs; adult males have long wings that extend beyond abdomen; adult females have short wings as short as or shorter than abdomen earliest NA record: NS 1947
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
- Orthotylinae
- Tribe
- Halticini
- Genus
- Orthocephalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
weedy fields, meadows
Geographic Range
native to Eurasia (throughout Europe to e. Siberia), introduced (probably on plant material in the early 1900s) and now occurs in ne. NA (NS-ON-PA)
Seasonal Activity
adults Jun-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts include Poaceae and Asteraceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orthocephalus saltator (Hahn 1835)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Orthocephalus saltator. 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 Orthocephalus saltator (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthocephalus saltator
What is Orthocephalus saltator?
Orthocephalus saltator is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Orthocephalus saltator?
3.5-6.3 mm
How do you identify Orthocephalus saltator?
tibiae reddish-brown to dull yellowish on front and middle legs, and sometimes also hindlegs (a distinguishing feature); dorsal surface black with numerous silvery hairs; adult males have long wings that extend beyond abdomen; adult females have short wings as short as or shorter than abdomen
Where is Orthocephalus saltator found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | weedy fields, meadows |
| Range | native to Eurasia (throughout Europe to e. Siberia), introduced (probably on plant material in the early 1900s) and now occurs in ne. NA (NS-ON-PA) |
What does Orthocephalus saltator eat?
The diet of the Orthocephalus saltator includes hosts include Poaceae and Asteraceae.
When is Orthocephalus saltator active?
Orthocephalus saltator: seasonal activity - adults Jun-Aug.