Pinalitus cervinus
This record describes Pinalitus cervinus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 mm. This genus contains several small plant bugs which are mainly associated with trees. The base of the 2nd antennal segment is always pale. P. cervinus is a very variable species which is usually pale golden-brown, but sometimes may be red-brown or even greenish. The 2nd antennal segment is black at the tip, and the apex of the cuneus dark or reddish. The forewings are rather transparent and covered in pale hairs; they are variably plain or dark marked, as is the scutellum. This species can be identified with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with. Often found on Lime, but also Hazel, Ash and Ivy. Adult can be found all year, but particularly early autumn. Common and widespread throughout the UK though easily overlooked.
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
- Mirinae
- Tribe
- Mirini
- Genus
- Pinalitus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found on Lime, but also Hazel, Ash and Ivy.
Seasonal Activity
Adult can be found all year, but particularly early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There are several generations per year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread throughout the UK though easily overlooked.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pinalitus cervinus. 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 Pinalitus cervinus (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinalitus cervinus
What is Pinalitus cervinus?
Pinalitus cervinus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pinalitus cervinus?
4 mm. This genus contains several small plant bugs which are mainly associated with trees. The base of the 2nd antennal segment is always pale.
Where is Pinalitus cervinus found?
Habitat: Often found on Lime, but also Hazel, Ash and Ivy.
When is Pinalitus cervinus active?
Pinalitus cervinus: seasonal activity - Adult can be found all year, but particularly early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Pinalitus cervinus?
There are several generations per year.