Phytocoris cuneotinctus
This record describes Phytocoris cuneotinctus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other species of the juniperanus group by the pale green general coloration with small, dusky flecks on the hemelytra. There is also generally a pink area covering at least part of the cuneus. P. vanduzeei is also green but lacks the dusky flecks and has shorter antennae (and its host is Larrea sp., not Atriplex sp.). A few species in the rostratus group ( P. consors , P. geniculatus and P. schwartzi ) also look similar with dusky flecks on light green hemelytra, but the first two have longer first antennomeres, and all three lack the pink coloration of the cuneus (info gleaned by J.T. Botz from Stonedahl [1988] and from inspection of own specimens).
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
Found on saltbush ( Atriplex sp., Chenopodiaceae)
Geographic Range
OR-CA-w.TX-CO - Map
Seasonal Activity
mid June to mid Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris cuneotinctus Knight, 1925
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris cuneotinctus. 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 cuneotinctus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris cuneotinctus
What is Phytocoris cuneotinctus?
Phytocoris cuneotinctus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris cuneotinctus?
4.2-4.9 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris cuneotinctus?
Distinguished from other species of the juniperanus group by the pale green general coloration with small, dusky flecks on the hemelytra. There is also generally a pink area covering at least part of the cuneus. P. vanduzeei is also green but lacks the dusky flecks and has shorter antennae (and its host is Larrea sp., not Atriplex sp.). A few species in the rostratus group ( P. consors , P. geniculatus and P. schwartzi ) also look similar with dusky flecks on light green hemelytra, but the first two have longer first antennomeres, and all three lack the pink coloration of the cuneus (info gleaned by J.T. Botz from Stonedahl [1988] and from inspection of own specimens).
Where is Phytocoris cuneotinctus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found on saltbush ( Atriplex sp., Chenopodiaceae) |
| Range | OR-CA-w.TX-CO - Map |
When is Phytocoris cuneotinctus active?
Phytocoris cuneotinctus: seasonal activity - mid June to mid Oct.