Pilophorus walshii
This record describes Pilophorus walshii (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pilophorus clavatus species group including 17 species (4 eastern, 11 western, and 2 common) is recognized by the hemelytra posterior to the posterior band of scalelike setae being smooth, polished, and weakly shining laterad of the radial vein and with a matte texture mesad of the radial vein as anterior to the posterior setal band, the vesica twisted and with the mesial spinelike process with a sub-basal thumblike process, and the habit of breeding on species of dicotyledonous plants . Distinguished from other species in the clavatus group with mesially offset posterior band of scalelike setae on the hemelytra by the recumbent vestiture on the dorsum, and the labium just reaching the posterior margin of the mesosternum ; most easily confused with brunneus .
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 eastern KS, north to NY and ON, and south to SC and LA.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Gleditsia triacanthos
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pilophorus walshii. 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 walshii (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim
Frequently Asked Questions About Pilophorus walshii
What is Pilophorus walshii?
Pilophorus walshii is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pilophorus walshii?
2.50-2.72 mm (apex tylus-cuneal fracture)
How do you identify Pilophorus walshii?
Pilophorus clavatus species group including 17 species (4 eastern, 11 western, and 2 common) is recognized by the hemelytra posterior to the posterior band of scalelike setae being smooth, polished, and weakly shining laterad of the radial vein and with a matte texture mesad of the radial vein as anterior to the posterior setal band, the vesica twisted and with the mesial spinelike process with a sub-basal thumblike process, and the habit of breeding on species of dicotyledonous plants . Distinguished from other species in the clavatus group with mesially offset posterior band of scalelike setae on the hemelytra by the recumbent vestiture on the dorsum, and the labium just reaching the posterior margin of the mesosternum ; most easily confused with brunneus .
Where is Pilophorus walshii found?
Range: Eastern North America: west to eastern KS, north to NY and ON, and south to SC and LA.
What does Pilophorus walshii eat?
The diet of the Pilophorus walshii includes Gleditsia triacanthos.