Plagiognathus arbustorum
This record describes Plagiognathus arbustorum (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 4 mm. Although the ground colour varies from pale olive-green to almost black, the head and front of the pronotum are usually dark, as are the 1st and 2nd antennal segments. The black line along the edge of the hind femur is absolutely distinctive and is present in late instar nymphs also. The spines on the hind tibiae are equal to or longer than the tibial width and generally arise from black spots. The pronotum and forewings are covered in dark hairs. Found on a range of plants, particularly Nettles. This extremely common bug is found throughout Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Plagiognathus arbustorum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plagiognathus_arbustorum.
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
Habitat
Found on a range of plants, particularly Nettles.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July-October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This extremely common bug is found throughout Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus arbustorum. 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 arbustorum (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus arbustorum
What is Plagiognathus arbustorum?
Plagiognathus arbustorum is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus arbustorum?
about 4 mm. Although the ground colour varies from pale olive-green to almost black, the head and front of the pronotum are usually dark, as are the 1st and 2nd antennal segments. The black line along the edge of the hind femur is absolutely distinctive and is present in late instar nymphs also. The spines on the hind tibiae are equal to or longer than the tibial width and generally arise from black spots. The pronotum and forewings are covered in dark hairs.
Where is Plagiognathus arbustorum found?
Habitat: Found on a range of plants, particularly Nettles.
When is Plagiognathus arbustorum active?
Plagiognathus arbustorum: seasonal activity - Adult: July-October..