Pithanus maerkelii
This record describes Pithanus maerkelii (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 to 5 mm. An unmistakable and rather ant-like bug which is almost always micropterous, although fully-winged females do occur infrequently. The connexivum, wing edges and 1st antennal segment are pale and the pronotum is swollen in the middle. Adult: June to August (although males short-lived) A widespread and fairly common species across the UK. No additional images available for this species.
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
- Stenodemini
- Genus
- Pithanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in damp grasslands.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: June to August (although males short-lived)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
P. maerkelii is largely predatory.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread and fairly common species across the UK.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pithanus maerkelii. 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 Pithanus maerkelii (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pithanus maerkelii
What is Pithanus maerkelii?
Pithanus maerkelii is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pithanus maerkelii?
4 to 5 mm. An unmistakable and rather ant-like bug which is almost always micropterous, although fully-winged females do occur infrequently. The connexivum, wing edges and 1st antennal segment are pale and the pronotum is swollen in the middle.
Where is Pithanus maerkelii found?
Habitat: Found in damp grasslands.
When is Pithanus maerkelii active?
Pithanus maerkelii: seasonal activity - Adult: June to August (although males short-lived).
What is the life cycle of a Pithanus maerkelii?
P. maerkelii is largely predatory.