Phytocoris strigosus
This record describes Phytocoris strigosus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotal disk with pale median line, bordered with fuscous (last key couplet) pale yellow to brownish general coloration. Phytocoris strigosus is easily recognized by the large eyes and relatively narrow vertex (see couplet 5 in key); pale median line on the pronotal disk, bordered with fuscous The general coloration is quite variable, ranging from pale yellow to dark brown. In lighter specimens, the pale median line on the pronotal disk is often obscure Types: described from 14 specimens collected in Cochise and Pima counties, AZ, and Luna Co., NM.
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 (OR-CA-w.TX-ID) - Map , mostly s.CA to w.TX
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults collected on Ambrosia sp., Chrysothamnus paniculatus, Grayia spinosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Haplopappus sp., Hymenoclea salsola, Psorothamnusfremontii, and Tetradymia sp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytocoris strigosus Knight 1925
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris strigosus. 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 strigosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris strigosus
What is Phytocoris strigosus?
Phytocoris strigosus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris strigosus?
Length 4.4 4.6 mm
How do you identify Phytocoris strigosus?
Pronotal disk with pale median line, bordered with fuscous (last key couplet) pale yellow to brownish general coloration. Phytocoris strigosus is easily recognized by the large eyes and relatively narrow vertex (see couplet 5 in key); pale median line on the pronotal disk, bordered with fuscous The general coloration is quite variable, ranging from pale yellow to dark brown. In lighter specimens, the pale median line on the pronotal disk is often obscure
Where is Phytocoris strigosus found?
Range: w. US (OR-CA-w.TX-ID) - Map , mostly s.CA to w.TX
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris strigosus?
Adults collected on Ambrosia sp., Chrysothamnus paniculatus, Grayia spinosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Haplopappus sp., Hymenoclea salsola, Psorothamnusfremontii, and Tetradymia sp.