HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Phytocoris eurekae

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

Identification and Appearance

Phytocoris eurekae - Phytocoris eurekae
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jbotz

To distinguish from other species in the interspersus group: Hemelytra with scattered, dark brown, simple setae particularly at apex of clavus and on corium between anal ridge and radial vein; second antennal segment uniformly brownish yellow, not darkened apicallly as in navajo ; dorsal width of eye of male much greater than width of vertex; hind tibiae without dark spots at spine bases; shaft of left paramere narrowly and gradually expanded distally...(Stonedahl, 1988).

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

"Open forest situations or clearcuts where it occurs on a variety of shrubs and trees."

Geographic Range

Canada: BC; USA: northern extent WA across WY to CO, southern extent CA to NM.

Seasonal Activity

Jun-Oct

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Phytocoris eurekae Bliven 1966 Named for the location (Eureka, CA) where one of the early specimens was collected.

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

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris eurekae. 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 eurekae (4)

Phytocoris eurekae - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jbotz
Phytocoris eurekae - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jbotz
Phytocoris eurekae - photo 3
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jbotz
Phytocoris eurekae - photo 4
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jbotz

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jbotz

Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris eurekae

What is Phytocoris eurekae?

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

How big is Phytocoris eurekae?

6.0-7.3 mm

How do you identify Phytocoris eurekae?

To distinguish from other species in the interspersus group: Hemelytra with scattered, dark brown, simple setae particularly at apex of clavus and on corium between anal ridge and radial vein; second antennal segment uniformly brownish yellow, not darkened apicallly as in navajo ; dorsal width of eye of male much greater than width of vertex; hind tibiae without dark spots at spine bases; shaft of left paramere narrowly and gradually expanded distally...(Stonedahl, 1988).

Where is Phytocoris eurekae found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatOpen forest situations or clearcuts where it occurs on a variety of shrubs and trees.
RangeCanada: BC; USA: northern extent WA across WY to CO, southern extent CA to NM.
When is Phytocoris eurekae active?

Phytocoris eurekae: seasonal activity - Jun-Oct.

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

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jbotz. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.