Phytocoris varipes
This record describes Phytocoris varipes (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 7 mm. The ground colour of P. varipes varies from pale pinkish brown to red-brown and there are longitudinal markings on the upper surface. The hairs on the 1st antennal segment are shorter than its width (see below). P. ulmi is similar, but is more uniformly marked and the 1st antennal segment is thinner and has longer hairs. P. varipes may be impossible to separate reliably from the much rarer P. insignis, a very scarce species confined to southern heathland. Feeds on the flowers and fruits of a range of plants. Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, absent from the far north.
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
Rough Grassland.
Seasonal Activity
June to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on the flowers and fruits of a range of plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, absent from the far north.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phytocoris varipes. 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 varipes (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytocoris varipes
What is Phytocoris varipes?
Phytocoris varipes is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phytocoris varipes?
6 to 7 mm. The ground colour of P. varipes varies from pale pinkish brown to red-brown and there are longitudinal markings on the upper surface. The hairs on the 1st antennal segment are shorter than its width (see below). P. ulmi is similar, but is more uniformly marked and the 1st antennal segment is thinner and has longer hairs. P. varipes may be impossible to separate reliably from the much rarer P. insignis, a very scarce species confined to southern heathland.
Where is Phytocoris varipes found?
Habitat: Rough Grassland.
When is Phytocoris varipes active?
Phytocoris varipes: seasonal activity - June to October..
What is the life cycle of a Phytocoris varipes?
Feeds on the flowers and fruits of a range of plants.