Phytocoris breviusculus
This record describes Phytocoris breviusculus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other brown species of the juniperanus group by the absence of dark scalelike setae on the dorsum, and the uniformly brownish yellow second antennal segment, without pale median annulus. 1) Wing membrane confusedly sprinkled with disordered or dark spots, or with nemuerous, minute, pale spots; 2) A1 slender; 3) A2 dusky yellow to pale brown, white at base; 4) Clavus pallid; and 5) Corium with an oblique, dark brown band on basal half that joins a brown area extending along claval suture. Det. Brad Barnd, 2024 Type Locality: Texas ( Belfarge )
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
Geographic Range
e. US (TX-AL-NJ-KS) - Map , common s. of the Brazos R. in TX
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Sept ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Wheeler and Henry suggest it is at least partially predaceous on scale insects and mites. Knight wrote that this is "[a] predacious species which may be collected at lights." , indeed, nearly every single iNat record is at lights found on a wide variety of plants, but most commonly recorded on a few eastern Juniperus spp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris breviusculus Reuter, 1876
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris breviusculus. 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 breviusculus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris breviusculus
What is Phytocoris breviusculus?
Phytocoris breviusculus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris breviusculus?
3.9-4.6 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris breviusculus?
Distinguished from other brown species of the juniperanus group by the absence of dark scalelike setae on the dorsum, and the uniformly brownish yellow second antennal segment, without pale median annulus. 1) Wing membrane confusedly sprinkled with disordered or dark spots, or with nemuerous, minute, pale spots; 2) A1 slender; 3) A2 dusky yellow to pale brown, white at base; 4) Clavus pallid; and 5) Corium with an oblique, dark brown band on basal half that joins a brown area extending along claval suture. Det. Brad Barnd, 2024
Where is Phytocoris breviusculus found?
Range: e. US (TX-AL-NJ-KS) - Map , common s. of the Brazos R. in TX
When is Phytocoris breviusculus active?
Phytocoris breviusculus: seasonal activity - Apr-Sept ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris breviusculus?
Wheeler and Henry suggest it is at least partially predaceous on scale insects and mites. Knight wrote that this is [a] predacious species which may be collected at lights. , indeed, nearly every single iNat record is at lights found on a wide variety of plants, but most commonly recorded on a few eastern Juniperus spp.