Parthenicus psalliodes
This record describes Parthenicus psalliodes (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species, known only from macropters, is very similar to P. cruentus in the overall pale background color, interspersed with numerous small red spots. It is distinguished by the generally larger size, uniformly dark or fumate hemelytral membrane, and male genitalia (figs. 28-30). The left paramere (fig. 28) also is similar to that of P. cruentus , but it is more evenly rounded on the arching C; the right paramere (fig. 29) is straighter, more stout, and has a slender apical process and lateral comb; and the vesica (fig. 30) possesses one slender and one broad, apically bifurcate spiculum. Det. Brad Barnd, 2025 (from spmn) Type Locality: Texas ( Belfarge )
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
- Parthenicus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA(?), TX-FL / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
taken on Eupatorium compositifolium and Eupatorium pinnatifidum (Asteraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Parthenicus psalliodes Reuter, 1876
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Parthenicus psalliodes. 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 Parthenicus psalliodes (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Parthenicus psalliodes
What is Parthenicus psalliodes?
Parthenicus psalliodes is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Parthenicus psalliodes?
3.3 mm (type)
How do you identify Parthenicus psalliodes?
This species, known only from macropters, is very similar to P. cruentus in the overall pale background color, interspersed with numerous small red spots. It is distinguished by the generally larger size, uniformly dark or fumate hemelytral membrane, and male genitalia (figs. 28-30). The left paramere (fig. 28) also is similar to that of P. cruentus , but it is more evenly rounded on the arching C; the right paramere (fig. 29) is straighter, more stout, and has a slender apical process and lateral comb; and the vesica (fig. 30) possesses one slender and one broad, apically bifurcate spiculum. Det. Brad Barnd, 2025 (from spmn)
Where is Parthenicus psalliodes found?
Range: CA(?), TX-FL / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What is the life cycle of a Parthenicus psalliodes?
taken on Eupatorium compositifolium and Eupatorium pinnatifidum (Asteraceae)