Phytocoris brevisetosus
This record describes Phytocoris brevisetosus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

From Stonedahl: ...Mostly pale first antennal segment with limited brown or reddish brown markings, ratio of segment length to posterior width of pronotum 1.12:1 to 1.15:1 for males and 1.78:1 to 1.96:1 for females; pronotal disk with pale, longitudinal line medially; propleura fuscous with dorsal margin and apical third pale; rostrum of male reaching base of genital capsule... and male 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
Collections so far suggest it is associated with juniper.
Geographic Range
CA-NV-UT-AZ
Seasonal Activity
June-Aug
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for the short setae on the dorsum.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris brevisetosus. 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 brevisetosus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris brevisetosus
What is Phytocoris brevisetosus?
Phytocoris brevisetosus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris brevisetosus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 7.15-7.25 mm |
| Female | 6.85-7.25 mm |
How do you identify Phytocoris brevisetosus?
From Stonedahl: ...Mostly pale first antennal segment with limited brown or reddish brown markings, ratio of segment length to posterior width of pronotum 1.12:1 to 1.15:1 for males and 1.78:1 to 1.96:1 for females; pronotal disk with pale, longitudinal line medially; propleura fuscous with dorsal margin and apical third pale; rostrum of male reaching base of genital capsule... and male genitalic characters.
Where is Phytocoris brevisetosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Collections so far suggest it is associated with juniper. |
| Range | CA-NV-UT-AZ |
When is Phytocoris brevisetosus active?
Phytocoris brevisetosus: seasonal activity - June-Aug.
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