HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Phytocoris diversus

This record describes Phytocoris diversus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phytocoris diversus - Phytocoris diversus
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Blatchley's key : 1) Scutellum reddish-yellow each side of middle, its median line and apex distinctly paler; 2) Clavus and inner half of corium reddish or reddish-brown; 3) Cuneus with inner half rosaceous; and 4) Femora with distinct pale spots. Knight's key : 1) Pronotal disk without black spots; 2) Dots on hind femora not forming a distinct light-colored band or large mark; 3) A2 = 2 × (head width). Belongs to Group III of Knight's eastern species.

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

ne. US (IL-WV-QC-MN) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )

Diet and Behavior

Diet: White pine ( Pinus strobus )

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris diversus. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Phytocoris diversus (5)

Phytocoris diversus - photo 1
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Phytocoris diversus - photo 2
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Phytocoris diversus - photo 3
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Phytocoris diversus - photo 4
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Phytocoris diversus - photo 5
Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris diversus

What is Phytocoris diversus?

Phytocoris diversus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Phytocoris diversus?

5 mm

How do you identify Phytocoris diversus?

Blatchley's key : 1) Scutellum reddish-yellow each side of middle, its median line and apex distinctly paler; 2) Clavus and inner half of corium reddish or reddish-brown; 3) Cuneus with inner half rosaceous; and 4) Femora with distinct pale spots. Knight's key : 1) Pronotal disk without black spots; 2) Dots on hind femora not forming a distinct light-colored band or large mark; 3) A2 = 2 × (head width). Belongs to Group III of Knight's eastern species.

Where is Phytocoris diversus found?

Range: ne. US (IL-WV-QC-MN) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )

What does Phytocoris diversus eat?

The diet of the Phytocoris diversus includes White pine ( Pinus strobus ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.