Plagiognathus blatchleyi
This record describes Plagiognathus blatchleyi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the relatively large size, heavy bodied appearance, pale background coloration of the dorsum, posterior lobe of the pronotum almost uniformly brown and anterior lobe pale or greenish (fig. 6), and the black antennae . Sometimes dorsum almost entirely orange. - Fig. 15, dark A1-A2 Det. WonGun Kim, 2008
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-VA-Ont-MB-CO) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly Aug-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: HOSTS: Ragweed ( Ambrosia trifida ), Verbesina alternifolia (Asteraceae) Taken in numbers June 22, 1892, in Vigo Co., IN from the foliage of the Carolina Rose, ( Rosa carolina , Rosaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus blatchleyi Reuter 1912
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus blatchleyi. 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 blatchleyi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus blatchleyi
What is Plagiognathus blatchleyi?
Plagiognathus blatchleyi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus blatchleyi?
length 3.76–4.44
How do you identify Plagiognathus blatchleyi?
Recognized by the relatively large size, heavy bodied appearance, pale background coloration of the dorsum, posterior lobe of the pronotum almost uniformly brown and anterior lobe pale or greenish (fig. 6), and the black antennae . Sometimes dorsum almost entirely orange. - Fig. 15, dark A1-A2 Det. WonGun Kim, 2008
Where is Plagiognathus blatchleyi found?
Range: e. NA (TX-VA-Ont-MB-CO) - Map
What does Plagiognathus blatchleyi eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus blatchleyi includes HOSTS: Ragweed ( Ambrosia trifida ), Verbesina alternifolia (Asteraceae) Taken in numbers June 22, 1892, in Vigo Co., IN from the foliage of the Carolina Rose, ( Rosa carolina , Rosaceae).
When is Plagiognathus blatchleyi active?
Plagiognathus blatchleyi: seasonal activity - mostly Aug-Oct.