Phytocoris rufoscriptus
This record describes Phytocoris rufoscriptus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished from other species of the cunealis group by the setose, fuscous spots along the posterior submargin of the pronotal disk dorsal surface mottled or reticulated with red as in rubrimaculatus , but the latter species lacks the dark setose spots on the posterior submargin of the pronotal disk Types: Described from five males and one female taken near Alpine Heights, 8 June 1913 and 6 June 1914, and Mussey's, 13 April 1913, San Diego Co., California, E. P. Van Duzee.
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
chaparral zone of southwestern California from San Luis Obispo Co. to San Diego Co.
Geographic Range
s.CA - Map
Seasonal Activity
late March to early August based on 76 spmns
Diet and Behavior
Diet: coastal live oak ( Quercus agrifolia )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris rufoscriptus Van Duzee, 1914
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris rufoscriptus. 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 rufoscriptus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris rufoscriptus
What is Phytocoris rufoscriptus?
Phytocoris rufoscriptus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris rufoscriptus?
Length 7.0-7.9 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris rufoscriptus?
distinguished from other species of the cunealis group by the setose, fuscous spots along the posterior submargin of the pronotal disk dorsal surface mottled or reticulated with red as in rubrimaculatus , but the latter species lacks the dark setose spots on the posterior submargin of the pronotal disk
Where is Phytocoris rufoscriptus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | chaparral zone of southwestern California from San Luis Obispo Co. to San Diego Co. |
| Range | s.CA - Map |
What does Phytocoris rufoscriptus eat?
The diet of the Phytocoris rufoscriptus includes coastal live oak ( Quercus agrifolia ).
When is Phytocoris rufoscriptus active?
Phytocoris rufoscriptus: seasonal activity - late March to early August based on 76 spmns.