Phytocoris planituberis
This record describes Phytocoris planituberis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
From Stonedahl, omitting references to figures: Phytocoris planituberis is very similar to validus but differs by the longer first antennal segment; large flattened tubercle above base of left paramere; and more elongate sclerotized process of the vesica. The ratio of length of antennal segment I to width of head across eyes is from 1.30:1 to 1.50:1 for males. This species is easily distinguished from fuscipennis and roseipennis by the short, dark, simple setae on the pronotum and hemelytra. Few specimens are known; as of Stonedahl's writing in 1988, these included 11 males and one female, all in small series of one or two specimens each.
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 is unknown, though Stonedahl (1988) postulates that it is probably grasses or herbaceous plants.
Geographic Range
se.AZ (Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties) and sw.NM (Antelope Wells) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris planituberis Stonedahl, 1988 "From the Latin, planus (flat) and tuberis (swelling), referring to the flattened left genital tubercle of the male."
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris planituberis. 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 planituberis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris planituberis
What is Phytocoris planituberis?
Phytocoris planituberis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris planituberis?
male: 6.64-7.83 mm; female (strongly brachypterous): 5.40 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris planituberis?
From Stonedahl, omitting references to figures: Phytocoris planituberis is very similar to validus but differs by the longer first antennal segment; large flattened tubercle above base of left paramere; and more elongate sclerotized process of the vesica. The ratio of length of antennal segment I to width of head across eyes is from 1.30:1 to 1.50:1 for males. This species is easily distinguished from fuscipennis and roseipennis by the short, dark, simple setae on the pronotum and hemelytra.
Where is Phytocoris planituberis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Host plant association is unknown, though Stonedahl (1988) postulates that it is probably grasses or herbaceous plants. |
| Range | se.AZ (Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties) and sw.NM (Antelope Wells) - Map |