HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Pilophorus juniperi

This record describes Pilophorus juniperi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Pilophorus juniperi - Pilophorus juniperi
Contributed by WonGun Kim

Pilophorus juniperi species group including juniperi and laetus is recognized by the hemelytra with a uniform polished texture posteriad of the posterior band of scalelike setae, relatively small elongate body, the A2 clavate on the distal third , the flat vesica with a simple mesial spinelike process, and the habit of breeding on species of Coniferae. Distinguished from laetus by the uninterrupted posterior band of setae on the hemelytra and A2 not more than 1.14 mm long.

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
Phylinae
Tribe
Pilophorini
Genus
Pilophorus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana glauca , Juniperus spp., Thuja orientalis

Geographic Range

Eastern US: west to eastern KS and SD, north to MN and MA, and south to NC, TN, MO.

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pilophorus juniperi. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Pilophorus juniperi (5)

Pilophorus juniperi - photo 1
Contributed by WonGun Kim
Pilophorus juniperi - photo 2
Contributed by WonGun Kim
Pilophorus juniperi - photo 3
Contributed by WonGun Kim
Pilophorus juniperi - photo 4
Contributed by WonGun Kim
Pilophorus juniperi - photo 5
Contributed by WonGun Kim

Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim

Frequently Asked Questions About Pilophorus juniperi

What is Pilophorus juniperi?

Pilophorus juniperi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Pilophorus juniperi?

2.28-2.77 mm (apex tylus-cuneal fracture)

How do you identify Pilophorus juniperi?

Pilophorus juniperi species group including juniperi and laetus is recognized by the hemelytra with a uniform polished texture posteriad of the posterior band of scalelike setae, relatively small elongate body, the A2 clavate on the distal third , the flat vesica with a simple mesial spinelike process, and the habit of breeding on species of Coniferae. Distinguished from laetus by the uninterrupted posterior band of setae on the hemelytra and A2 not more than 1.14 mm long.

Where is Pilophorus juniperi found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatChamaecyparis lawsoniana glauca , Juniperus spp., Thuja orientalis
RangeEastern US: west to eastern KS and SD, north to MN and MA, and south to NC, TN, MO.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.