Phytocoris berbericola
This record describes Phytocoris berbericola (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Among the members of the P. aurora species group, this species is distinguished by the relatively short first antennomere (0.68-0.79 times the posterior width of the pronotum); distal two-thirds of hind femora dark reddish brown to deep purplish black with scattered pale spots, males with a small, ridge-like tubercle above the base of the left paramere, and other genitalic characters.
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
associated with Berberis spp. (barberry) shrubs
Geographic Range
AZ-west Texas
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-August
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (Latin) berberis = barberry + (Latin) -cola = dweller
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris berbericola. 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 berbericola (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris berbericola
What is Phytocoris berbericola?
Phytocoris berbericola is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris berbericola?
male 6.53-6.69 mm; female 5.67-6.48 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris berbericola?
Among the members of the P. aurora species group, this species is distinguished by the relatively short first antennomere (0.68-0.79 times the posterior width of the pronotum); distal two-thirds of hind femora dark reddish brown to deep purplish black with scattered pale spots, males with a small, ridge-like tubercle above the base of the left paramere, and other genitalic characters.
Where is Phytocoris berbericola found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | associated with Berberis spp. (barberry) shrubs |
| Range | AZ-west Texas |
When is Phytocoris berbericola active?
Phytocoris berbericola: seasonal activity - mostly May-August.