Phytocoris politus
This record describes Phytocoris politus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other species of the fraterculus group by the dark reddish brown coloration, fuscous band on the posterior submargin of the pronotal disk, absence of pale annuli on the front tibiae, 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
Collected from various pines ( Pinus spp.).
Geographic Range
southern CA to British Columbia to NV and ID
Seasonal Activity
June-October
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: polit- (Latin) = polished, refined ( Phytocoris politus, praealtus, electilis and venustus could form a snobbish club together.)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris politus. 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 politus
What is Phytocoris politus?
Phytocoris politus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris politus?
5.4-6.8 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris politus?
Distinguished from other species of the fraterculus group by the dark reddish brown coloration, fuscous band on the posterior submargin of the pronotal disk, absence of pale annuli on the front tibiae, and structure of the male genitalia.
Where is Phytocoris politus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Collected from various pines ( Pinus spp.). |
| Range | southern CA to British Columbia to NV and ID |
When is Phytocoris politus active?
Phytocoris politus: seasonal activity - June-October.