Plagiognathus brevirostris
This record describes Plagiognathus brevirostris (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the large, heavy body, moderately shaggy vestiture, entirely black antennae, and the labium relatively short and not attaining the middle trochanters. Pattern of coloration of obscurus type, with base of corium pale and all or most of cuneus usually pale; rarely entire dorsum dark.
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
NF west to BC and south to CO, IL, and WV
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Thalictrum spp. (Ranunculaceae)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus brevirostris. 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 brevirostris (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus brevirostris
What is Plagiognathus brevirostris?
Plagiognathus brevirostris is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus brevirostris?
3.87-4.68 mm (male), 3.80-4.53 (female)
How do you identify Plagiognathus brevirostris?
Recognized by the large, heavy body, moderately shaggy vestiture, entirely black antennae, and the labium relatively short and not attaining the middle trochanters. Pattern of coloration of obscurus type, with base of corium pale and all or most of cuneus usually pale; rarely entire dorsum dark.
Where is Plagiognathus brevirostris found?
Range: NF west to BC and south to CO, IL, and WV
What does Plagiognathus brevirostris eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus brevirostris includes Thalictrum spp. (Ranunculaceae).