HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Phytocoris rileyi

This record describes Phytocoris rileyi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phytocoris rileyi - Phytocoris rileyi
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jbotz

Belonging to the hopi group and distinguished by the combination of the relatively large size, the overall pale-beige coloration of the hemelytra with dark brown stripes on lateral margins of the head and pronotum, the white medial line extending along the apex of the scutellum to the median of the tylus of head, the yellowish coloration of the claval vein, and the elongate shape of the right paramere. (from Menard & Schwartz, 2023)

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

Seems to be found on various plants in juniper/oak woodland ( Juniperus and Baileya are mentioned in the description).

Geographic Range

NM to sw TX - Map

Seasonal Activity

Nov (BG data)

Diet and Behavior

Life History

one female coll'ed from one-seed Juniper ( Juniperus monosperma , Cupressaceae)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Phytocoris rileyi Menard & Schwartz, 2023

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris rileyi. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Phytocoris rileyi (2)

Phytocoris rileyi - photo 1
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jbotz
Phytocoris rileyi - photo 2
Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jbotz

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jbotz

Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris rileyi

What is Phytocoris rileyi?

Phytocoris rileyi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Phytocoris rileyi?
FeatureDetails
Male5.5-6 mm
Female4.4 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris rileyi?

Belonging to the hopi group and distinguished by the combination of the relatively large size, the overall pale-beige coloration of the hemelytra with dark brown stripes on lateral margins of the head and pronotum, the white medial line extending along the apex of the scutellum to the median of the tylus of head, the yellowish coloration of the claval vein, and the elongate shape of the right paramere. (from Menard & Schwartz, 2023)

Where is Phytocoris rileyi found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatSeems to be found on various plants in juniper/oak woodland ( Juniperus and Baileya are mentioned in the description).
RangeNM to sw TX - Map
When is Phytocoris rileyi active?

Phytocoris rileyi: seasonal activity - Nov (BG data).

What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris rileyi?

one female coll'ed from one-seed Juniper ( Juniperus monosperma , Cupressaceae)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jbotz. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.