Phytocoris empirensis
This record describes Phytocoris empirensis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar in appearance to Ph. relativus (J.T. Botz observation), but distinguished by lack of dark, bristlelike setae in front of the base of the left genital tubercle. Det. Jason Botz, 2023 Types: described from two spmns taken in the Empire Mts., Pima Co., Arizona, 1525 m, 20 May 1928, A. A. Nichol.
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
widely dist. in UT and AZ but does not occur in the Bonneville Saltbush section of western UT or the Sonoran Desert region of sw AZ.
Geographic Range
AZ-UT - Map , uncommonly reported
Seasonal Activity
early May to late Sept based on 42 spmns
Diet and Behavior
Life History
host plant asso. is unknown
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris empirensis Knight, 1968
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris empirensis. 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 empirensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris empirensis
What is Phytocoris empirensis?
Phytocoris empirensis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris empirensis?
5.0-6.6 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris empirensis?
Very similar in appearance to Ph. relativus (J.T. Botz observation), but distinguished by lack of dark, bristlelike setae in front of the base of the left genital tubercle. Det. Jason Botz, 2023
Where is Phytocoris empirensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | widely dist. in UT and AZ but does not occur in the Bonneville Saltbush section of western UT or the Sonoran Desert region of sw AZ. |
| Range | AZ-UT - Map , uncommonly reported |
When is Phytocoris empirensis active?
Phytocoris empirensis: seasonal activity - early May to late Sept based on 42 spmns.
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris empirensis?
host plant asso. is unknown