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

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.
Photos of Phytocoris rileyi (2)
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?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 5.5-6 mm |
| Female | 4.4 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?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Seems to be found on various plants in juniper/oak woodland ( Juniperus and Baileya are mentioned in the description). |
| Range | NM 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)
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