Phytocoris puella
This record describes Phytocoris puella (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
1) Membrane marbled, uniformly dark brown or uniformly light colored; 2) A1 > (head width); 3) Antennae pale; 4) pronotum, scutellum, and hemelytra nearly uniformly reddish; and 5) Calli pale. Type Locality: New York ( Belfarge )
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
Oak ( Quercus sp.) and red birch ( Betula nigra )
Geographic Range
e. NA (KS-FL-QC-MB) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: puella (L). 'girl' .
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris puella. 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 puella (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris puella
What is Phytocoris puella?
Phytocoris puella is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris puella?
4.5-5 mm (guide images)
How do you identify Phytocoris puella?
1) Membrane marbled, uniformly dark brown or uniformly light colored; 2) A1 > (head width); 3) Antennae pale; 4) pronotum, scutellum, and hemelytra nearly uniformly reddish; and 5) Calli pale.
Where is Phytocoris puella found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Oak ( Quercus sp.) and red birch ( Betula nigra ) |
| Range | e. NA (KS-FL-QC-MB) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) |