Parthenicus weemsi
This record describes Parthenicus weemsi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other species by the usually testaceous to golden-yellow color, with brown and/or red spots on the pronotum and the base and apex of the corium, and the numerous red spots on the legs. Darker specimens sometimes also are present with the corium and cuneus becoming much darker red to reddish brown. These might be confused with P. rufus , but the pronotum and clavus remain pale, with only a few red spots, and they are densely covered in white, scalelike setae.
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
FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: Sand heath, Ceratiola ericoides Michx. (Empetraceae).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after Dr. Howard V. Weems, Jr. of the Florida Department of Argiculture, who collected the first known specimens.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Parthenicus weemsi. 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 weemsi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim
Frequently Asked Questions About Parthenicus weemsi
What is Parthenicus weemsi?
Parthenicus weemsi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Parthenicus weemsi?
Distinguished from other species by the usually testaceous to golden-yellow color, with brown and/or red spots on the pronotum and the base and apex of the corium, and the numerous red spots on the legs. Darker specimens sometimes also are present with the corium and cuneus becoming much darker red to reddish brown. These might be confused with P. rufus , but the pronotum and clavus remain pale, with only a few red spots, and they are densely covered in white, scalelike setae.
Where is Parthenicus weemsi found?
Range: FL
What does Parthenicus weemsi eat?
The diet of the Parthenicus weemsi includes Host: Sand heath, Ceratiola ericoides Michx. (Empetraceae)..