Phytocoris squamosus
This record describes Phytocoris squamosus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Antennal segment I densely set with long, pale setae on ventral surface; pronotal collar and calli tinged or marked with red or reddish brown
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
w US to w. TX / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , common in AZ
Seasonal Activity
late April to mid Sept
Diet and Behavior
Diet: commonly an inhabitant of jointfir ( Ephedra , Ephedraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris squamosus Knight 1934
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris squamosus. 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 squamosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris squamosus
What is Phytocoris squamosus?
Phytocoris squamosus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris squamosus?
♂ 4.9‒5.9 mm, ♀ 4.2‒5.0 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris squamosus?
Antennal segment I densely set with long, pale setae on ventral surface; pronotal collar and calli tinged or marked with red or reddish brown
Where is Phytocoris squamosus found?
Range: w US to w. TX / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , common in AZ
What does Phytocoris squamosus eat?
The diet of the Phytocoris squamosus includes commonly an inhabitant of jointfir ( Ephedra , Ephedraceae).
When is Phytocoris squamosus active?
Phytocoris squamosus: seasonal activity - late April to mid Sept.