Plagiognathus longipennis
This record describes Plagiognathus longipennis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the very long, slender body , the somewhat exerted, anteriorly projecting head with the clypeus plainly visible from above, and the long slender femora . - male and female Dets. Jason Botz, 2022 Neotype Locality: COLORADO: Mesa Co.: Grand Mesa N.F., Island Lake Cmpgrd. on Rt. 65, 10,000 ft., August 15, 1986, R. T. Schuh, Ribes sp. (Saxifragaceae).
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
Higher elevations in western North America
Geographic Range
e. WA (Pierce Co.) and ID (Franklin Co.) in the north, east to CO, and south to AZ and nw. TX (Dallam Co.) - Map , uncommon
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: breeds on a variety of hosts, including woody perennials as well as herbaceous species; most common among these appears to be currant ( Ribes , Grossulariaceae). Frequently collected by sweeping in alpine meadows.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus longipennis (Uhler)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus longipennis. 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 longipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus longipennis
What is Plagiognathus longipennis?
Plagiognathus longipennis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus longipennis?
5.60-5.94 mm (male), 5.03-5.28 mm (female)
How do you identify Plagiognathus longipennis?
Recognized by the very long, slender body , the somewhat exerted, anteriorly projecting head with the clypeus plainly visible from above, and the long slender femora . - male and female Dets. Jason Botz, 2022
Where is Plagiognathus longipennis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Higher elevations in western North America |
| Range | e. WA (Pierce Co.) and ID (Franklin Co.) in the north, east to CO, and south to AZ and nw. TX (Dallam Co.) - Map , uncommon |
What does Plagiognathus longipennis eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus longipennis includes Host: breeds on a variety of hosts, including woody perennials as well as herbaceous species; most common among these appears to be currant ( Ribes , Grossulariaceae). Frequently collected by sweeping in alpine meadows..