Pilophorus laetus
This record describes Pilophorus laetus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 juniperi by the interrupted posterior band of setae on the hemelytra and A2 at least 1.25 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
Juniperus spp.
Geographic Range
e. US: west to MO and MN, north to ON and MN, and south to AL, LA, and FL - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pilophorus laetus Heidemann, 1892
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pilophorus laetus. 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 Pilophorus laetus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Pilophorus laetus
What is Pilophorus laetus?
Pilophorus laetus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pilophorus laetus?
2.61-2.93 mm (apex tylus-cuneal facture)
How do you identify Pilophorus laetus?
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 juniperi by the interrupted posterior band of setae on the hemelytra and A2 at least 1.25 mm long.
Where is Pilophorus laetus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Juniperus spp. |
| Range | e. US: west to MO and MN, north to ON and MN, and south to AL, LA, and FL - Map |