Pilophorus perplexus
This record describes Pilophorus perplexus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4.5 mm. Pilophorus species are rather active and ant-like bugs, which have silvery bands on the forewings formed by pale hairs. In both common species the posterior band is continuous across the forewings. However, P. perplexus has duller brown, sometimes blackish forewings and is associated with deciduous trees, particularly oak, whilst P. cinnamopterus is rather more orange brown and is associated with Scots Pine. In common with P. cinnamopterus it feeds on aphids. This species is found widely across southern 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
- Phylinae
- Tribe
- Pilophorini
- Genus
- Pilophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On deciduous trees and shrubs.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July to October
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In common with P. cinnamopterus it feeds on aphids.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is found widely across southern Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pilophorus perplexus. 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 perplexus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pilophorus perplexus
What is Pilophorus perplexus?
Pilophorus perplexus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pilophorus perplexus?
4.5 mm. Pilophorus species are rather active and ant-like bugs, which have silvery bands on the forewings formed by pale hairs. In both common species the posterior band is continuous across the forewings. However, P. perplexus has duller brown, sometimes blackish forewings and is associated with deciduous trees, particularly oak, whilst P. cinnamopterus is rather more orange brown and is associated with Scots Pine.
Where is Pilophorus perplexus found?
Habitat: On deciduous trees and shrubs.
When is Pilophorus perplexus active?
Pilophorus perplexus: seasonal activity - Adult: July to October.
What is the life cycle of a Pilophorus perplexus?
In common with P. cinnamopterus it feeds on aphids.