Phytocoris pulchellus
This record describes Phytocoris pulchellus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotal disk brown or dark yellowish brown, sometimes lightly tinged with red, posterior submargin without tumid points; antennal segment I slightly narrower medially Type Locality: Santa Rita Mts., Arizona, alt. 4500 ft., September 9, 1925 (A. A. Nichol)
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
Geographic Range
AZ - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , similar record from s. TX ( 6 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: allotype taken on Quercus oblongifolia ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris pulchellus Knight, 1934
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris pulchellus. 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 pulchellus
What is Phytocoris pulchellus?
Phytocoris pulchellus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris pulchellus?
Length 4.5-5.0 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris pulchellus?
Pronotal disk brown or dark yellowish brown, sometimes lightly tinged with red, posterior submargin without tumid points; antennal segment I slightly narrower medially
Where is Phytocoris pulchellus found?
Range: AZ - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) , similar record from s. TX ( 6 )
What does Phytocoris pulchellus eat?
The diet of the Phytocoris pulchellus includes allotype taken on Quercus oblongifolia ( 3 ).