Plagiognathus atricornis
This record describes Plagiognathus atricornis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the relatively small size and pale coloration, entirely black antennae with A2 1.4 times as long as the width of the head, the large dark eyes, and the narrow vertex being about one-third the total width of the head.
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. US (IA-PA-MO-IA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: river birch ( Betula nigra , Betulaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus atricornis Knight, 1926
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus atricornis. 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 atricornis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus atricornis
What is Plagiognathus atricornis?
Plagiognathus atricornis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus atricornis?
3.03-3.73 mm (male), 3.53 mm (female)
How do you identify Plagiognathus atricornis?
Recognized by the relatively small size and pale coloration, entirely black antennae with A2 1.4 times as long as the width of the head, the large dark eyes, and the narrow vertex being about one-third the total width of the head.
Where is Plagiognathus atricornis found?
Range: e. US (IA-PA-MO-IA)
What does Plagiognathus atricornis eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus atricornis includes river birch ( Betula nigra , Betulaceae).