Plagiognathus modestus
This record describes Plagiognathus modestus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the castaneous to nearly black general coloration of dorsum, entirely pale, nearly white, legs, and pale antennae except for extreme base of antennal segment 1 (figs. 10 & 17) (although segment 1 sometimes entirely dark). - Fig. 10 - - Fig. 17 Det. R.T. Schuh, 2001
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 SK, absent betw. MS & NC - Map , mostly Chicago to c. TX
Seasonal Activity
late May to early July based on over 100 spmns
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Known to breed on a variety of woody perennials. Host Plants: Elm ( Ulmus ) and white oak ( Quercus alba ). In Illinois, taken on hazelnut ( Corylus americana ), hawthorn ( Crataegus mollis ) and hickory ( Carya sp.).
Life History
On elm the bugs are found most frequently among leaves curled by aphids, where they feed to some extent on honeydew. Knight observed this species feeding on eggs of the elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus modestus (Reuter) Orig. Comb: Microphylellus modestus Reuter, 1912
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus modestus. 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 modestus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus modestus
What is Plagiognathus modestus?
Plagiognathus modestus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus modestus?
3.3-3.5 mm
How do you identify Plagiognathus modestus?
Recognized by the castaneous to nearly black general coloration of dorsum, entirely pale, nearly white, legs, and pale antennae except for extreme base of antennal segment 1 (figs. 10 & 17) (although segment 1 sometimes entirely dark). - Fig. 10 - - Fig. 17 Det. R.T. Schuh, 2001
Where is Plagiognathus modestus found?
Range: e. NA to SK, absent betw. MS & NC - Map , mostly Chicago to c. TX
What does Plagiognathus modestus eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus modestus includes Known to breed on a variety of woody perennials. Host Plants: Elm ( Ulmus ) and white oak ( Quercus alba ). In Illinois, taken on hazelnut ( Corylus americana ), hawthorn ( Crataegus mollis ) and hickory ( Carya sp.)..
When is Plagiognathus modestus active?
Plagiognathus modestus: seasonal activity - late May to early July based on over 100 spmns.
What is the life cycle of a Plagiognathus modestus?
On elm the bugs are found most frequently among leaves curled by aphids, where they feed to some extent on honeydew. Knight observed this species feeding on eggs of the elm leaf beetle, Xanthogaleruca luteola