Phytocoris comulus
This record describes Phytocoris comulus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cuneus extensively marked with red Similar to cochise but smaller... and with darker, reddish brown or dark brown markings on the legs and first antennal segment. The banded front tibiae and large pale region between the eyes will further differentiate this species from cochise . ( Phytocoris cochise is known only from the type material collected in the Chiricahua Mts., Cochise Co., Arizona.) Described from 30 specimens collected in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and New Mexico.
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
AZ-NM-NE-WY - Map , common along Colorado's front range
Seasonal Activity
mid June to early Oct based on 86 specimens examined
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Found most commonly on Pinus edulis and Pinus ponderosa but occasionally on Pinus contorta .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris comulus Knight, 1928
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris comulus. 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 comulus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris comulus
What is Phytocoris comulus?
Phytocoris comulus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris comulus?
4.7-5.5 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris comulus?
Cuneus extensively marked with red Similar to cochise but smaller... and with darker, reddish brown or dark brown markings on the legs and first antennal segment. The banded front tibiae and large pale region between the eyes will further differentiate this species from cochise . ( Phytocoris cochise is known only from the type material collected in the Chiricahua Mts., Cochise Co., Arizona.)
Where is Phytocoris comulus found?
Range: AZ-NM-NE-WY - Map , common along Colorado's front range
When is Phytocoris comulus active?
Phytocoris comulus: seasonal activity - mid June to early Oct based on 86 specimens examined.
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris comulus?
Found most commonly on Pinus edulis and Pinus ponderosa but occasionally on Pinus contorta .