Phytocoris cercocarpi
This record describes Phytocoris cercocarpi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Overall reddish-brown color with pale mottling. To distinguish this species from others in the aurora species group: Ratio of length of antennal segment I to posterior width of pronotum from 0.70:1 to 0.80:1 for males; apical pale annulus on front tibiae much narrower than preceding dark annulus... Most distinctive is the left paramere of the male, which has two strong dorsal projections on the sensory lobe (=thickened base), the distal projection leaning back to nearly touch the proximal projection. Det. Jason Botz, 2020 Types: Described from 20 specimens collected in El Paso Co. and Las Animas Co., Colorado.
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
Mountains where Cercocarpus is present.
Geographic Range
AZ-NM-CO-UT - Map , uncommonly reported
Seasonal Activity
June-Sept.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults taken on spp. of mountain mahogany ( Cercocarpus betuloides, C. breviflorus, C. ledifolius , and C. montanus , Rosaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for the genus of its host plant, Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany).
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris cercocarpi. 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 cercocarpi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris cercocarpi
What is Phytocoris cercocarpi?
Phytocoris cercocarpi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris cercocarpi?
5.5-7.0 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris cercocarpi?
Overall reddish-brown color with pale mottling. To distinguish this species from others in the aurora species group: Ratio of length of antennal segment I to posterior width of pronotum from 0.70:1 to 0.80:1 for males; apical pale annulus on front tibiae much narrower than preceding dark annulus... Most distinctive is the left paramere of the male, which has two strong dorsal projections on the sensory lobe (=thickened base), the distal projection leaning back to nearly touch the proximal projection. Det. Jason Botz, 2020
Where is Phytocoris cercocarpi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mountains where Cercocarpus is present. |
| Range | AZ-NM-CO-UT - Map , uncommonly reported |
When is Phytocoris cercocarpi active?
Phytocoris cercocarpi: seasonal activity - June-Sept..
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris cercocarpi?
Adults taken on spp. of mountain mahogany ( Cercocarpus betuloides, C. breviflorus, C. ledifolius , and C. montanus , Rosaceae)