HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Pappus scutellatus

This record describes Pappus scutellatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Pappus scutellatus - Pappus scutellatus
Contributed by Jason Botz

Distinguished by the almost glabrous dorsum, by the reddish brown or brown triangular marks on the scutellum, and usually the brown longitudinal line between the calli on the pronotum.

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
Mirinae
Tribe
Mirini
Genus
Pappus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Pinus strobiformis

Geographic Range

AZ, NM; Mexico (Durango)

Seasonal Activity

June–August

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: The epithet directs attention to the scutellum, which in this species has an unusual color pattern (see Identification).

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pappus scutellatus. 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 Pappus scutellatus (4)

Pappus scutellatus - photo 1
Contributed by Jason Botz
Pappus scutellatus - photo 2
Contributed by Jason Botz
Pappus scutellatus - photo 3
Contributed by Jason Botz
Pappus scutellatus - photo 4
Contributed by Jason Botz

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz

Frequently Asked Questions About Pappus scutellatus

What is Pappus scutellatus?

Pappus scutellatus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Pappus scutellatus?
FeatureDetails
Male8.40 mm
Female8.00 mm
How do you identify Pappus scutellatus?

Distinguished by the almost glabrous dorsum, by the reddish brown or brown triangular marks on the scutellum, and usually the brown longitudinal line between the calli on the pronotum.

Where is Pappus scutellatus found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatPinus strobiformis
RangeAZ, NM; Mexico (Durango)
When is Pappus scutellatus active?

Pappus scutellatus: seasonal activity - June–August.

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.