Plagiognathus grandis
This record describes Plagiognathus grandis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the large size, very broad body, and somewhat mottled carmine coloration of the dorsum. Unlike any other Plagiognathus species in coloration and its heavy body. Det. M. D. Schwartz, 2015 Type Locality: Texas ( Belfarge ) can be locally common: High TX counts: Frio Co.: 2 mi N of Pearsall, May 8, 1976, J. C. Schaffner, 26(m), 39(f) (TAMU). Kerr Co.: Kerrville, May 12, 1990, W. F. Chamberlain, 13(m), 13(f) (TAMU). Rutherford Co.: Marathon, June 10, 1930, J. O. Martin, 9(m), 17(f) (CAS). Val Verde Co.: 28 mi N of Comstock, May 10, 1997, Gillogly and Schaffner, 24(m), 1(f) (TAMU). High AZ counts: Cochise Co.: 0.5 mi E of Portal, 1450 m, June 12, 1980, R. T. Schuh, K. and R. Schmidt, Rhus microphylla (Anacardiaceae), 11(m), 24(f) (AMNH). Cochise Co.: 2.7 mi NW of Portal, 1600 m, June 13, 1980, R. T. Schuh, K. and R. Schmidt, Rhus microphylla (Anacardiaceae), 17(m), 31(f) (AMNH). Cochise Co.: 8 mi W of Bisbee on Rt 92, 4700 ft, June 3, 1983, R.T. Schuh, Rhus microphylla (Anacardiaceae), 38(m), 28(f) (AMNH). High UT count: Washington Co.: Snow Canyon State Park, T41S R16W, 4000 ft, May 22, 1981, M. D. Schwartz, Rhus microphylla (Anacardiaceae), 5(m), 17(f) (AMNH). High MEX counts: Chihuahua: 4600 ft, May 29, 1964, L. A. Kelton, 9(m), 15(f) (CNC).
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
sw. US (AZ-cTX-CO-UT, ND) / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: littleleaf sumac - Rhus microphylla , R. triloba (Anacardiaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus grandis Reuter, 1876
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus grandis. 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 grandis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus grandis
What is Plagiognathus grandis?
Plagiognathus grandis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus grandis?
4.5-5.2 (male) 4.8-5.1 mm (female)
How do you identify Plagiognathus grandis?
Recognized by the large size, very broad body, and somewhat mottled carmine coloration of the dorsum. Unlike any other Plagiognathus species in coloration and its heavy body. Det. M. D. Schwartz, 2015
Where is Plagiognathus grandis found?
Range: sw. US (AZ-cTX-CO-UT, ND) / Mex. - Map
What does Plagiognathus grandis eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus grandis includes littleleaf sumac - Rhus microphylla , R. triloba (Anacardiaceae).
When is Plagiognathus grandis active?
Plagiognathus grandis: seasonal activity - May-July.