HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Phytocoris canescens

This record describes Phytocoris canescens (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phytocoris canescens - Phytocoris canescens
Contributed by Jason Botz

Among the P. tenuis group, recognized by the long first antennal segment with dark markings ventrally ans well as dorsally and laterally, length of segment greater than posterior width o pronotum; hemelytra with dark spots at bases of simple setae; female strongly brachypterous; male genital capsule with prominent tubercle above base of left paramere... and additional 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

Collected from a variety of shrubs in chaparral and coastal areas.

Geographic Range

CA

Seasonal Activity

Adults have been collected year round.

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris canescens. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Phytocoris canescens (5)

Phytocoris canescens - photo 1
Contributed by Jason Botz
Phytocoris canescens - photo 2
Contributed by Jason Botz
Phytocoris canescens - photo 3
Contributed by Jason Botz
Phytocoris canescens - photo 4
Contributed by Jason Botz
Phytocoris canescens - photo 5
Contributed by Jason Botz

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz

Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris canescens

What is Phytocoris canescens?

Phytocoris canescens is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Phytocoris canescens?

male: 5.1-7.0 mm; female (brachypterous) 3.9-4.9 mm

How do you identify Phytocoris canescens?

Among the P. tenuis group, recognized by the long first antennal segment with dark markings ventrally ans well as dorsally and laterally, length of segment greater than posterior width o pronotum; hemelytra with dark spots at bases of simple setae; female strongly brachypterous; male genital capsule with prominent tubercle above base of left paramere... and additional genitalic characters.

Where is Phytocoris canescens found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatCollected from a variety of shrubs in chaparral and coastal areas.
RangeCA
When is Phytocoris canescens active?

Phytocoris canescens: seasonal activity - Adults have been collected year round..

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.