Phytocoris conspurcatus
This record describes Phytocoris conspurcatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
1) Wing membrane confusedly sprinkled with discolored or dark spots, or with numerous, minute, pale spots; 2) A1 slender; 3) A2 with pale band at base and at middle; 4) A3 with pale band at base and at middle; 5) Dorsum bearing both black and white scalelike hairs, which are turned on edge; and 5) Ventral half of propleura pallid, but no distinct white line present above middle of coxal cleft. 6) Genitalia distinctive: See Stonedahl , Fig 40) Det. Brad Barnd, 2025
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
widely dist. - Northeastern and midwestern US, and southern Canada - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Alnus rubra , Pinus ponderosa , Pseudotsuga menziesii , Pyrus sp., Salix spp., and Tilia platyphylla
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris conspurcatus Knight, 1920
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris conspurcatus. 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 conspurcatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris conspurcatus
What is Phytocoris conspurcatus?
Phytocoris conspurcatus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris conspurcatus?
5.6-6.8 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris conspurcatus?
1) Wing membrane confusedly sprinkled with discolored or dark spots, or with numerous, minute, pale spots; 2) A1 slender; 3) A2 with pale band at base and at middle; 4) A3 with pale band at base and at middle; 5) Dorsum bearing both black and white scalelike hairs, which are turned on edge; and 5) Ventral half of propleura pallid, but no distinct white line present above middle of coxal cleft. 6) Genitalia distinctive: See Stonedahl , Fig 40) Det. Brad Barnd, 2025
Where is Phytocoris conspurcatus found?
Range: widely dist. - Northeastern and midwestern US, and southern Canada - Map
What does Phytocoris conspurcatus eat?
The diet of the Phytocoris conspurcatus includes Alnus rubra , Pinus ponderosa , Pseudotsuga menziesii , Pyrus sp., Salix spp., and Tilia platyphylla.