Phytocoris geniculatus
This record describes Phytocoris geniculatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Cuneus and areolar veins tinged or marked with red distinguished from other species of the rostratus group by the pale green general coloration with red markings on the cuneus and areolar veins Type Locality: Described from 32 specimens taken at Coachella and Palm Springs, Riverside Co., California, 14-19 May 1917, ex. Atriplex sp., E. P. Van Duzee.
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
s.OR-CA-AZ-NV / nw. Mex. - Map , mostly sCA-AZ
Seasonal Activity
mid Dec to mid Oct
Diet and Behavior
Life History
most frequently taken on saltbush ( Atriplex , Chenopodiaceae). Other reported host records are Franseria acathicarpa (Van Duzee, 1923) and Grayia spinosa (Knight, 1968).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris geniculatus Van Duzee, 1918
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris geniculatus. 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 geniculatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris geniculatus
What is Phytocoris geniculatus?
Phytocoris geniculatus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris geniculatus?
Length 4.3-7.3
How do you identify Phytocoris geniculatus?
Cuneus and areolar veins tinged or marked with red distinguished from other species of the rostratus group by the pale green general coloration with red markings on the cuneus and areolar veins
Where is Phytocoris geniculatus found?
Range: s.OR-CA-AZ-NV / nw. Mex. - Map , mostly sCA-AZ
When is Phytocoris geniculatus active?
Phytocoris geniculatus: seasonal activity - mid Dec to mid Oct.
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris geniculatus?
most frequently taken on saltbush ( Atriplex , Chenopodiaceae). Other reported host records are Franseria acathicarpa (Van Duzee, 1923) and Grayia spinosa (Knight, 1968).