Plagiognathus moerens
This record describes Plagiognathus moerens (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the medium to large size, linear pattern of coloration with exocorium and clavus mostly opaque, pale, olive-colored, contrasting with dark endocorium, pronotum varying from entirely black to totally pale, antennae entirely black, dorsal vestiture of recumbent, black, bristlelike setae, and surface of dorsum weakly polished. Linear pattern of coloration similar to lineatus and shoshonea ; easily distinguished from those species by the black, bristlelike setae on the dorsum and by the distinctive structure of the male genitalia, the vesica lacking a flange and with very long, evenly attenuated apical spines.
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
w.US (WA―CA―AZ―ID)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Amsinckia spp. (Boraginaceae), Phacelia spp. (Hydrophyllaceae), &c annuals
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus moerens Reuter 1909
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus moerens. 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 moerens (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus moerens
What is Plagiognathus moerens?
Plagiognathus moerens is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus moerens?
3.8-5.0 mm
How do you identify Plagiognathus moerens?
Recognized by the medium to large size, linear pattern of coloration with exocorium and clavus mostly opaque, pale, olive-colored, contrasting with dark endocorium, pronotum varying from entirely black to totally pale, antennae entirely black, dorsal vestiture of recumbent, black, bristlelike setae, and surface of dorsum weakly polished. Linear pattern of coloration similar to lineatus and shoshonea ; easily distinguished from those species by the black, bristlelike setae on the dorsum and by the distinctive structure of the male genitalia, the vesica lacking a flange and with very long, evenly attenuated apical spines.
Where is Plagiognathus moerens found?
Range: w.US (WA―CA―AZ―ID)
What does Plagiognathus moerens eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus moerens includes Hosts: Amsinckia spp. (Boraginaceae), Phacelia spp. (Hydrophyllaceae), &c annuals.