Phytocoris difformis
This record describes Phytocoris difformis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2023 Males and females are attracted to light. ( 3 )
Identification notes
Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2023
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 - Map
Seasonal Activity
early May to early September based on 48 specimens ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host plant is Prosopis juliflora ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris difformis Knight 1934
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris difformis. 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 difformis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris difformis
What is Phytocoris difformis?
Phytocoris difformis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Phytocoris difformis?
Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2023
Where is Phytocoris difformis found?
Range: AZ - Map
What does Phytocoris difformis eat?
The diet of the Phytocoris difformis includes host plant is Prosopis juliflora ( 3 ).
When is Phytocoris difformis active?
Phytocoris difformis: seasonal activity - early May to early September based on 48 specimens ( 3 ).