Orthops campestris
This record describes Orthops campestris (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length around 4 mm. This genus contains three similar species which are often found on umbellifers. They generally have dark antennae. Although external characters are useful, some specimens cannot be reliably identified without dissection. O. campestris is usually green or green-tinged and is the smallest and most oval Orthops species. Note the short antennae; the 3rd segment is much shorter than the head width. Neolygus viridis is superficially similar but is larger, with longer antennae. Often associated with Wild Parsnip, the foodplant. Adults overwinter and mate in the spring; the new generation is complete from July onwards. A widespread and fairly common bug in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often associated with Wild Parsnip, the foodplant.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: all year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults overwinter and mate in the spring; the new generation is complete from July onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread and fairly common bug in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Orthops campestris. 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 Orthops campestris (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthops campestris
What is Orthops campestris?
Orthops campestris is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Orthops campestris?
around 4 mm. This genus contains three similar species which are often found on umbellifers. They generally have dark antennae. Although external characters are useful, some specimens cannot be reliably identified without dissection.
Where is Orthops campestris found?
Habitat: Often associated with Wild Parsnip, the foodplant.
When is Orthops campestris active?
Orthops campestris: seasonal activity - Adult: all year..
What is the life cycle of a Orthops campestris?
Adults overwinter and mate in the spring; the new generation is complete from July onwards.