Phytocoris tiliae
This record describes Phytocoris tiliae (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 7 mm. Phytocoris species have a distinctive appearance due to the long hind femora and long 1st antennal segment. P. tiliae is an attractively marked greyish-green species, which has distinct black mottling on the wings. The ground colour varies from silver-grey to lime-green. The distribution of black on the pronotum covers the sides and often the posterior, but is always sharply defined. Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species. Widespread and fairly frequent across Britain.
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
Found on a range of deciduous trees.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: June to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on small insects and mites.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent across Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris tiliae. 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 tiliae (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris tiliae
What is Phytocoris tiliae?
Phytocoris tiliae is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris tiliae?
6 to 7 mm. Phytocoris species have a distinctive appearance due to the long hind femora and long 1st antennal segment. P. tiliae is an attractively marked greyish-green species, which has distinct black mottling on the wings. The ground colour varies from silver-grey to lime-green. The distribution of black on the pronotum covers the sides and often the posterior, but is always sharply defined.
Where is Phytocoris tiliae found?
Habitat: Found on a range of deciduous trees.
When is Phytocoris tiliae active?
Phytocoris tiliae: seasonal activity - Adult: June to October..
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris tiliae?
Feeds on small insects and mites.