Phytocoris inops
This record describes Phytocoris inops (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pale annuli on front tibiae narrower than dark annuli; veins of hemelytral membrane marked or tinged with red • a much confused sp. , Phytocoris inops is extremely variable in size, body proportions, and extent of dark markings on the dorsum. This variability has prompted descriptions of several species that are conspecific with inops (i.e., hesperellus, hesperius, palmeri, vittatus ).
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 distributed in western North America, predominantly in mountainous regions.
Geographic Range
w.NA to Balcones Fault, c.TX & ne. NA (MD-QC) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Oct per several hundred spmns
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Rhamnaceae, Caprifoliaceae ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris inops Uhler 1877
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris inops. 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 inops (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris inops
What is Phytocoris inops?
Phytocoris inops is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris inops?
Length 5.6-8.1 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris inops?
Pale annuli on front tibiae narrower than dark annuli; veins of hemelytral membrane marked or tinged with red • a much confused sp. , Phytocoris inops is extremely variable in size, body proportions, and extent of dark markings on the dorsum. This variability has prompted descriptions of several species that are conspecific with inops (i.e., hesperellus, hesperius, palmeri, vittatus ).
Where is Phytocoris inops found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | widely distributed in western North America, predominantly in mountainous regions. |
| Range | w.NA to Balcones Fault, c.TX & ne. NA (MD-QC) - Map |
What does Phytocoris inops eat?
The diet of the Phytocoris inops includes Hosts: Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Rhamnaceae, Caprifoliaceae ( 3 ).
When is Phytocoris inops active?
Phytocoris inops: seasonal activity - Jun-Oct per several hundred spmns.