Parthenicus rufusculus
This record describes Parthenicus rufusculus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Allied to psalliodes Reut., but size slightly larger; distinguished by the general fusco-reddish coloration. The females of this species and P. covilleae Van Duzee are virtually indistinguishable from each other. Males can be distinguished by size/shape and, sometimes, color. Males of covilleae are distinctly shorter (2.8-3.0 mm) and more oval-shaped, while males of rufusculus are more elongate and parallel-sided. Sometimes, males of rufusculus have a uniform, dark reddish-brown color dorsally, as opposed to the yellow-to-orange gradient on the dorsum of all males of covilleae . But they often have the same coloration (Botz, personal observation).
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
AZ, s.NV - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Creosote ( Larrea tridentata , Zygophyllaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Parthenicus rufusculus Knight, 1925
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Parthenicus rufusculus. 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 rufusculus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Parthenicus rufusculus
What is Parthenicus rufusculus?
Parthenicus rufusculus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Parthenicus rufusculus?
male 3.6 mm, female 3.4 mm (Knight, 1925). I've seen a range of 3.5-4.2 mm for males (Botz, personal observation).
How do you identify Parthenicus rufusculus?
Allied to psalliodes Reut., but size slightly larger; distinguished by the general fusco-reddish coloration. The females of this species and P. covilleae Van Duzee are virtually indistinguishable from each other. Males can be distinguished by size/shape and, sometimes, color. Males of covilleae are distinctly shorter (2.8-3.0 mm) and more oval-shaped, while males of rufusculus are more elongate and parallel-sided. Sometimes, males of rufusculus have a uniform, dark reddish-brown color dorsally, as opposed to the yellow-to-orange gradient on the dorsum of all males of covilleae . But they often have the same coloration (Botz, personal observation).
Where is Parthenicus rufusculus found?
Range: AZ, s.NV - Map
What does Parthenicus rufusculus eat?
The diet of the Parthenicus rufusculus includes Creosote ( Larrea tridentata , Zygophyllaceae).