Phytocoris laevis
This record describes Phytocoris laevis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
on Chrysothamnus and Gutierrezia spp. (Asteracese)
Geographic Range
w.NA (AB‒SK, all states west of the Rocky Mts. & w.TX)
Seasonal Activity
Aug to early Nov
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris laevis (Uhler 1895)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris laevis. 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 laevis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris laevis
How big is Phytocoris laevis?
6.5‒9.4 mm
Where is Phytocoris laevis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on Chrysothamnus and Gutierrezia spp. (Asteracese) |
| Range | w.NA (AB‒SK, all states west of the Rocky Mts. & w.TX) |
When is Phytocoris laevis active?
Phytocoris laevis: seasonal activity - Aug to early Nov.