Orthotylus viridinervis
This record describes Orthotylus viridinervis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A narrow oval green bug found on Wych Elm and other tree species, including lime. 5-6mm long. The basal (1st) antennal segment is more or less equal in length to the head, and has more than 5 (usually 7) long hairs. The underside of the front femur has long hairs, and the 2nd antennal segments have several erect hairs. Other species of Orthotylus are very similar Check for long 1st antennal segment with > 5 long hairs on it. Note the plant species on which you found it. This cannot be verified from field photos; information about size and detailed photos showing head and 1st anntennal segment with hairs, plus front femora, are needed Widely scattered (ref. British Heteroptera checklist (2021) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/systematic_het.html Southwood, T.R.E. & Leston, D. (1959) Land and Water Bugs of the British Isles. Warne https://www.flickr.com/photos/tristanba/4792625989/ and https://www.flickr.com/photos/tristanba/4792625877 No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Elm or lime
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely scattered (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 viridinervis. 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 viridinervis (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthotylus viridinervis
What is Orthotylus viridinervis?
Orthotylus viridinervis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Orthotylus viridinervis?
to the head, and has more than 5 (usually 7) long hairs. The underside of the front femur has long hairs, and the 2nd antennal segments have several erect hairs.
Where is Orthotylus viridinervis found?
Habitat: Elm or lime