Phytocoris stellatus
This record describes Phytocoris stellatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the reddish orange to reddish brown hemelytra with red areolar veins; posterior lobe of pronotal disk mottled with reddish brown or fuscous, leaving at least limited areas pale; ratio of length of antennal segment I to width of head across eyes from 0.60:1 to 0.80:1 Type Locality: described from three specimens collected at Carmel, Monterey Co., California, 24 March 1919, taken on pines, 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
widely distributed in western North America
Geographic Range
w. NA (BC-CA-NM-AB) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Stonedahl examined 755 specimens with collection dates from June 17 to September 23, but adults are present year round in southern coastal California
Diet and Behavior
Life History
coll'ed from a number of Pinus species. It is most commonly taken on beach or lodgepole pine, P. contorta, but also inhabits P. muricata and P. radiata in California, P. flexilis in Nevada, P. aristata in Colorado and Nevada, and P. edulis in Arizona and Colorado.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris stellatus Van Duzee, 1920
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris stellatus. 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 stellatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris stellatus
What is Phytocoris stellatus?
Phytocoris stellatus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris stellatus?
Length 4.6-7.0 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris stellatus?
Recognized by the reddish orange to reddish brown hemelytra with red areolar veins; posterior lobe of pronotal disk mottled with reddish brown or fuscous, leaving at least limited areas pale; ratio of length of antennal segment I to width of head across eyes from 0.60:1 to 0.80:1
Where is Phytocoris stellatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | widely distributed in western North America |
| Range | w. NA (BC-CA-NM-AB) - Map |
When is Phytocoris stellatus active?
Phytocoris stellatus: seasonal activity - Stonedahl examined 755 specimens with collection dates from June 17 to September 23, but adults are present year round in southern coastal California.
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris stellatus?
coll'ed from a number of Pinus species. It is most commonly taken on beach or lodgepole pine, P. contorta, but also inhabits P. muricata and P. radiata in California, P. flexilis in Nevada, P. aristata in Colorado and Nevada, and P. edulis in Arizona and Colorado.