Phytocoris albidopictus
This record describes Phytocoris albidopictus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the extensively darkened pronotal disk, usually with only posterior margin and narrow longitudinal stripe between calli pale; mixed dorsal vestiture, including narrow scalelike, dark brown or black setae; and by the short, thick first antennal segment, ratio of segment length to width of head across eyes ranging from 0.9:1 to 1.1:1. The male genitalic structures are very similar to those of pulchricollis Adults come to lights
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
- Phytocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
widely dist. in the sw US, but is not well represented in collections. Besides type material, Stonedahl examined 15 specimens
Geographic Range
sw US (CA‒w.TX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mid Apr to mid Sept
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The only host plant record for this species comes from a single specimen collected near Portal, Arizona, on creosote ( Larrea , Zygophyllaceae). , Larrea also noted in BG data .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris albidopictus Knight 1961
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris albidopictus. 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 Phytocoris albidopictus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris albidopictus
What is Phytocoris albidopictus?
Phytocoris albidopictus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris albidopictus?
4.0‒5.0 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris albidopictus?
Recognized by the extensively darkened pronotal disk, usually with only posterior margin and narrow longitudinal stripe between calli pale; mixed dorsal vestiture, including narrow scalelike, dark brown or black setae; and by the short, thick first antennal segment, ratio of segment length to width of head across eyes ranging from 0.9:1 to 1.1:1. The male genitalic structures are very similar to those of pulchricollis
Where is Phytocoris albidopictus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | widely dist. in the sw US, but is not well represented in collections. Besides type material, Stonedahl examined 15 specimens |
| Range | sw US (CA‒w.TX) - Map |
When is Phytocoris albidopictus active?
Phytocoris albidopictus: seasonal activity - mid Apr to mid Sept.
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris albidopictus?
The only host plant record for this species comes from a single specimen collected near Portal, Arizona, on creosote ( Larrea , Zygophyllaceae). , Larrea also noted in BG data .