Phytocoris commissuralis
This record describes Phytocoris commissuralis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
From Stonedahl: Similar to heidemanni but distinguished by the structure of the male genitalia: shaft of left paramere with large, often spinose, tubercle basodorsally (fig. 62b); dorsal process on arm of right paramere weakly produced (fig. 62c); basal half of sclerotized process of vesica oblong (fig. 62d), rather than spherical as in heidemanni . Also outwardly very similar to P. praealtus but the above-mentioned tubercle on the left paramere of will distinguish P. commissuralis .
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 Pinus sp.
Geographic Range
Reported from CA. J.T. Botz collection includes specimens from higher elevations (1750-2760 m) of Coconino, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties in AZ.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris commissuralis. 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 commissuralis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris commissuralis
What is Phytocoris commissuralis?
Phytocoris commissuralis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris commissuralis?
7.5-8.7 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris commissuralis?
From Stonedahl: Similar to heidemanni but distinguished by the structure of the male genitalia: shaft of left paramere with large, often spinose, tubercle basodorsally (fig. 62b); dorsal process on arm of right paramere weakly produced (fig. 62c); basal half of sclerotized process of vesica oblong (fig. 62d), rather than spherical as in heidemanni . Also outwardly very similar to P. praealtus but the above-mentioned tubercle on the left paramere of will distinguish P. commissuralis .
Where is Phytocoris commissuralis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Collected from Pinus sp. |
| Range | Reported from CA. J.T. Botz collection includes specimens from higher elevations (1750-2760 m) of Coconino, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties in AZ. |