Peritrechus geniculatus
This record describes Peritrechus geniculatus (species). Recorded family: Lygaeidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5 to 6 mm. A difficult genus, with one or two small spines on the front femora. The 3rd antennal segment of Peritrechus geniculatus i s as thick as, or thicker than, the 1st segment. The front edge of the pronotum is dark. Other Peritrechus. P nubilus has a narrowered 3rd antennal segment, and a narrow brown front edge to the pronotum Clear photographs of a specimen are required, plus additional photos showing the antennae and pronotum in detail. Adult: all year. Overwinters as an adult, becoming active in the spring. Common (ref: British Heteroptera checklist 2021 , on British Bugs website) https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Lygaeidae/Peritrechus_geniculatus.html
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dry grassland and waste areas.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: all year. Overwinters as an adult, becoming active in the spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common (ref:
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Peritrechus geniculatus. 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 Peritrechus geniculatus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Peritrechus geniculatus
What is Peritrechus geniculatus?
Peritrechus geniculatus is a species in the family Lygaeidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Peritrechus geniculatus?
5 to 6 mm. A difficult genus, with one or two small spines on the front femora. The 3rd antennal segment of
Where is Peritrechus geniculatus found?
Habitat: Dry grassland and waste areas.
When is Peritrechus geniculatus active?
Peritrechus geniculatus: seasonal activity - Adult: all year. Overwinters as an adult, becoming active in the spring..