Plagiognathus maculipennis
This record describes Plagiognathus maculipennis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the pale A1 and A2 , generally pale costal vein on hemelytra, and cuneus and basal portion of corium pale or mostly pale in contrast to much darker remainder of hemelytra, the scutellum with a dark, median, longitudinal stripe and pale laterally, the tibial spines without dark spots at bases, and the tibiae being pale at the articulation with the femora. Vouchered spmns from Houston Distinguished from albatus with a dark median stripe on the scutellum by the pale A1, the tibial spines without black spots at bases, and the tibiae pale at articulation with femora. Distinguished from tinctus and viticola by the scutellum being unicolorous in those species.
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 to n. Mex. (PE to MB to LA to n. Mex.) - Map , most records IA to Chicago to n. Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Quercus spp. (Fagaceae) and Fraxinus sp. (Oleaceae)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus maculipennis. 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 maculipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus maculipennis
What is Plagiognathus maculipennis?
Plagiognathus maculipennis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus maculipennis?
3.10-3.56 (male); 2.76-3.40 (female)
How do you identify Plagiognathus maculipennis?
Recognized by the pale A1 and A2 , generally pale costal vein on hemelytra, and cuneus and basal portion of corium pale or mostly pale in contrast to much darker remainder of hemelytra, the scutellum with a dark, median, longitudinal stripe and pale laterally, the tibial spines without dark spots at bases, and the tibiae being pale at the articulation with the femora. Vouchered spmns from Houston Distinguished from albatus with a dark median stripe on the scutellum by the pale A1, the tibial spines without black spots at bases, and the tibiae pale at articulation with femora. Distinguished from tinctus and viticola by the scutellum being unicolorous in those species.
Where is Plagiognathus maculipennis found?
Range: e. NA to n. Mex. (PE to MB to LA to n. Mex.) - Map , most records IA to Chicago to n. Mex.
What does Plagiognathus maculipennis eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus maculipennis includes Hosts: Quercus spp. (Fagaceae) and Fraxinus sp. (Oleaceae).