Phytocoris corticola
This record describes Phytocoris corticola (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Phytocoris corticola is distinguished from other large, gray or brown species of the fraterculus group by the structure of the male genitalia: shaft base of left paramere with prominent, ridgelike process dorsally; arm of right paramere without dorsal, knoblike process; right basal lobe of vesica with series of small spines.
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 edulis , Pinus monophylla , and Pinus ponderosa .
Geographic Range
NV-AZ to CO-NM
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cort- (L), bark -cola (L), dwelling
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris corticola. 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 corticola (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris corticola
What is Phytocoris corticola?
Phytocoris corticola is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris corticola?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 8.37-8.91 mm |
| Female | 8.37-9.00 mm |
How do you identify Phytocoris corticola?
Phytocoris corticola is distinguished from other large, gray or brown species of the fraterculus group by the structure of the male genitalia: shaft base of left paramere with prominent, ridgelike process dorsally; arm of right paramere without dorsal, knoblike process; right basal lobe of vesica with series of small spines.
Where is Phytocoris corticola found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Collected from Pinus edulis , Pinus monophylla , and Pinus ponderosa . |
| Range | NV-AZ to CO-NM |