Phytocoris miniatus
This record describes Phytocoris miniatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
From Stonedahl: Distinguished from other species of the juniperanus group by... corium marked or tinged with red; scutellum mottled with red, but without distinct median line [distinguishing it from P. acaceae ]; first antennal segment with pale bristlelike setae dorsally; and left genital tubercle of male small, with sparsely distributed pale setae (fig. 137a).
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
Collected from mesquite mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum ).
Geographic Range
central to southern AZ
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris miniatus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris miniatus
What is Phytocoris miniatus?
Phytocoris miniatus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris miniatus?
3.3-3.9 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris miniatus?
From Stonedahl: Distinguished from other species of the juniperanus group by... corium marked or tinged with red; scutellum mottled with red, but without distinct median line [distinguishing it from P. acaceae ]; first antennal segment with pale bristlelike setae dorsally; and left genital tubercle of male small, with sparsely distributed pale setae (fig. 137a).
Where is Phytocoris miniatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Collected from mesquite mistletoe ( Phoradendron californicum ). |
| Range | central to southern AZ |