HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Orthotylus modestus

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

Identification and Appearance

Orthotylus modestus - Orthotylus modestus
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Orthotylus modestus (5)

Orthotylus modestus - photo 1
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Orthotylus modestus - photo 2
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Orthotylus modestus - photo 3
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Orthotylus modestus - photo 4
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Orthotylus modestus - photo 5
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

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?
FeatureDetails
Habitatwillow ( Salix , Salicaceae)
Rangee. US, Ont. (c.TX-GA-Ont-IA) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )

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

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