HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Phytocoris listi

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

Identification and Appearance

Phytocoris listi - Phytocoris listi
Contributed by Jason Botz

Knight noted that this species is suggestive of carnosulus Van D., but distinguished by the longer and more horizontal head, also by the first antennal segment which is not equal to width of head. This would apply to several species currently placed in the listi species group. Stonedahl noted: Phytocoris listi is very similar to albicuneatus but is distinguished by the shorter first antennal segment [length=0.65-0.75 width of head, compared with 0.75-0.85 width of head in albicuneatus ] and structure of the male genitalia.

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

Host plant association not known.

Geographic Range

Southern Saskatchewan to KS, AZ, southwestern TX

Seasonal Activity

early June to late September

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

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris listi. 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 listi (2)

Phytocoris listi - photo 1
Contributed by Jason Botz
Phytocoris listi - photo 2
Contributed by Jason Botz

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz

Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris listi

What is Phytocoris listi?

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

How big is Phytocoris listi?
FeatureDetails
Male5.0-6.0 mm
Female3.2 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris listi?

Knight noted that this species is suggestive of carnosulus Van D., but distinguished by the longer and more horizontal head, also by the first antennal segment which is not equal to width of head. This would apply to several species currently placed in the listi species group. Stonedahl noted: Phytocoris listi is very similar to albicuneatus but is distinguished by the shorter first antennal segment [length=0.65-0.75 width of head, compared with 0.75-0.85 width of head in albicuneatus ] and structure of the male genitalia.

Where is Phytocoris listi found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatHost plant association not known.
RangeSouthern Saskatchewan to KS, AZ, southwestern TX
When is Phytocoris listi active?

Phytocoris listi: seasonal activity - early June to late September.

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.