Phytocoris maricopae
This record describes Phytocoris maricopae (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
From Stonedahl, omitting references to figures: Recognized by the brownish general coloration; fuscous propleuron with apical third and median line pale; length of antennal segment I subequal to posterior width of pronotum; and by the structure of the male genitalia, particularly the broad ridgelike left genital tubercle, broad right paramere, narrow right sclerotized process of vesica with length approximately equal to that of right paramere, and short, broad left sclerotized process with large membranous sac apically.
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
Recorded from a variety of shrubs in various families.
Geographic Range
southern NV and ID south to AZ and western TX
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Sep
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Named for the Maricopa Indians, a noun in the genitive case."
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris maricopae. 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 maricopae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris maricopae
What is Phytocoris maricopae?
Phytocoris maricopae is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris maricopae?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 5.02-5.94 |
| Female | 4.88-5.45 |
How do you identify Phytocoris maricopae?
From Stonedahl, omitting references to figures: Recognized by the brownish general coloration; fuscous propleuron with apical third and median line pale; length of antennal segment I subequal to posterior width of pronotum; and by the structure of the male genitalia, particularly the broad ridgelike left genital tubercle, broad right paramere, narrow right sclerotized process of vesica with length approximately equal to that of right paramere, and short, broad left sclerotized process with large membranous sac apically.
Where is Phytocoris maricopae found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Recorded from a variety of shrubs in various families. |
| Range | southern NV and ID south to AZ and western TX |
When is Phytocoris maricopae active?
Phytocoris maricopae: seasonal activity - Apr-Sep.