Orthotylus virescens
This record describes Orthotylus virescens (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A narrow oval green bug found on Broom, about 4.5mm long. The dorsal surface is covered in erect dark hairs and it has a dark wing membrane. The rostrum is very short, reaching only to the hind margin of the mesobasisternum Other species of Orthotylus are very similar. Two other species are also found on Broom Check for dark hairs on dorsal surface, and short rostrum Note the plant species on which you found it. This cannot be verified from field photos; information about size and detailed photos showing dark hairs and short rostrum are needed Very common (ref. British Heteroptera checklist (2021) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/systematic_het.html Under-recorded. Likely to be present wherever broom is found, and therefore occasional https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Miridae/orthotylus_virescens.html No additional images available for this species.
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
Broom
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very common (ref. British Heteroptera checklist (2021)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Orthotylus virescens. 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.
