HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Pilophorus strobicola

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

Identification and Appearance

Pilophorus strobicola - Pilophorus strobicola
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by onegunah

Pilophorus amoenus species group including amoenus , piceicola , and strobicola is recognized by the hemelytra with a uniform texture posteriad of the posterior band of scalelike setae, the A3 completely white , the flat vesica with a simple mesial spinelike process, and the habit of breeding on species of Pinus . Distinguished from piceicola by the less strongly incrassate A2 and larger size , and from amoenus by the noncampaniform pronotum and the rather shaggy appearance of the hemelytral vestiture.

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

Geographic Range

Eastern North America: west to IA and MN, north to MN, QC, and NB, and south to NC.

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Picea abies , Pinus strobus , P. sylvestris , P. banksiana , jack pine, Larix decidua

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

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pilophorus strobicola. 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 strobicola (2)

Pilophorus strobicola - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by onegunah
Pilophorus strobicola - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by onegunah

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by onegunah

Frequently Asked Questions About Pilophorus strobicola

What is Pilophorus strobicola?

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

How big is Pilophorus strobicola?

3.27-3.63 (apex tylus-cuneal fracture)

How do you identify Pilophorus strobicola?

Pilophorus amoenus species group including amoenus , piceicola , and strobicola is recognized by the hemelytra with a uniform texture posteriad of the posterior band of scalelike setae, the A3 completely white , the flat vesica with a simple mesial spinelike process, and the habit of breeding on species of Pinus . Distinguished from piceicola by the less strongly incrassate A2 and larger size , and from amoenus by the noncampaniform pronotum and the rather shaggy appearance of the hemelytral vestiture.

Where is Pilophorus strobicola found?

Range: Eastern North America: west to IA and MN, north to MN, QC, and NB, and south to NC.

What does Pilophorus strobicola eat?

The diet of the Pilophorus strobicola includes Picea abies , Pinus strobus , P. sylvestris , P. banksiana , jack pine, Larix decidua.

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

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by onegunah. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.