Orthotylus modestus
This record describes Orthotylus modestus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Pronotal markings transverse; when the pronotum is all black the second antennal joint [segment?] of the male is rufo-testaceous Legs green or yellowish, not infuscated; light-colored areas of dorsum greenish or fading to yellowish, never tinged with salmon (last couplet to separate from ornatus ) Det. John Morgan, 2025
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
- Orthotylini
- Genus
- Orthotylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
willow ( Salix , Salicaceae)
Geographic Range
e. US, Ont. (c.TX-GA-Ont-IA) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orthotylus modestus Van Duzee 1916
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Orthotylus modestus. 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 Orthotylus modestus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthotylus modestus
What is Orthotylus modestus?
Orthotylus modestus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Orthotylus modestus?
4.5-5 mm
How do you identify Orthotylus modestus?
Pronotal markings transverse; when the pronotum is all black the second antennal joint [segment?] of the male is rufo-testaceous Legs green or yellowish, not infuscated; light-colored areas of dorsum greenish or fading to yellowish, never tinged with salmon (last couplet to separate from ornatus ) Det. John Morgan, 2025
Where is Orthotylus modestus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | willow ( Salix , Salicaceae) |
| Range | e. US, Ont. (c.TX-GA-Ont-IA) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) |
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