Plagiognathus albatus
This record describes Plagiognathus albatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Coloration of dorsum white to orange, with some darker markings; dark A1 (fig. 15) like tinctus , but with scutellum often pale laterally and dark mesially. (Scutellum also sometimes entirely dark or entirely pale, fig. 5) - Fig. 5, - Fig. 15 Commonly owned characteristics with maculipennis and tinctus are as follows: 1) mostly pale ant. segment 2 (Fig. 15); 2) generally pale costal vein on hemelytra; and 3) cuneus and basal portion of corium mostly pale in contrast to much darker remainder of hemelytra. Distinguished from maculipennis by 1) larger size; 2) dark antennal segment 1; and 3) dark articulation of tibiae with the femora. Distinguished from tinctus externally by the scutellum often pale laterally and dark mesially. (But, the scutellum is sometimes entirely dark or entirely pale.)
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
- Phylini
- Genus
- Plagiognathus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (TX-FL-NS-SK) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jul (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Most frequently collected on Betula spp. (Betulaceae), Juglans spp. (Juglandaceae), Platanus spp. (Platanaceae), and Ulmus (Ulmaceae). Also apparently breeds on Rhus sp. (Anacardiaceae) and Nyssa sp. (Nyssaceae).
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus albatus. 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 Plagiognathus albatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus albatus
What is Plagiognathus albatus?
Plagiognathus albatus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus albatus?
3.46-4.03 mm
How do you identify Plagiognathus albatus?
Coloration of dorsum white to orange, with some darker markings; dark A1 (fig. 15) like tinctus , but with scutellum often pale laterally and dark mesially. (Scutellum also sometimes entirely dark or entirely pale, fig. 5) - Fig. 5, - Fig. 15 Commonly owned characteristics with maculipennis and tinctus are as follows: 1) mostly pale ant. segment 2 (Fig. 15); 2) generally pale costal vein on hemelytra; and 3) cuneus and basal portion of corium mostly pale in contrast to much darker remainder of hemelytra. Distinguished from maculipennis by 1) larger size; 2) dark antennal segment 1; and 3) dark articulation of tibiae with the femora. Distinguished from tinctus externally by the scutellum often pale laterally and dark mesially. (But, the scutellum is sometimes entirely dark or entirely pale.)
Where is Plagiognathus albatus found?
Range: e. NA (TX-FL-NS-SK) - Map
What does Plagiognathus albatus eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus albatus includes Most frequently collected on Betula spp. (Betulaceae), Juglans spp. (Juglandaceae), Platanus spp. (Platanaceae), and Ulmus (Ulmaceae). Also apparently breeds on Rhus sp. (Anacardiaceae) and Nyssa sp. (Nyssaceae)..
When is Plagiognathus albatus active?
Plagiognathus albatus: seasonal activity - Apr-Jul (BG data).