Obscure Plant Bug
Plagiognathus obscurus
This record describes Plagiognathus obscurus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Base of corium pale and at least basal portion of cuneus usually pale (fig. 10: obscurus 1, 2), a pattern of coloration also occurring in several other large, widespread, frequently collected species of Plagiognathus ; less commonly entire dorsum dark. - Fig. 10 - Fig. 18: Black A1-A2 usually with pronotum and scutellum entirely dark; however, some populations with pronotum pale on disc and with scutellum pale laterally
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 foothills of the Rockies, and in the west from n. UT to n. CA north to so. BC - Map , ne NA to c. TX to AK
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Rhus glabra , Heracleum maximum , Aster sp, Cirsium horridulum , Betula occidentalis , Carpinus caroliniana , Corylus cornuta , Symphoricarpos sp, Rhododendron occidentale , Lathyrus sp, Melilotus sp, Quercus macrocarpa , Carya sp, Fraxinus pennsylvanica , Pinus ponderosa , Rosa sp, Spiraea douglasii , Spiraea sp, Salix sp, Ulmus sp, Urtica sp.
Life History
Breeds on annuals
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus obscurus Uhler 1872
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus obscurus. 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 Obscure Plant Bug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Obscure Plant Bug
What is Obscure Plant Bug?
Obscure Plant Bug (Plagiognathus obscurus) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Obscure Plant Bug?
♂ 3.2–4.6 mm, ♀ 3.5–4.2 mm
How do you identify Obscure Plant Bug?
Base of corium pale and at least basal portion of cuneus usually pale (fig. 10: obscurus 1, 2), a pattern of coloration also occurring in several other large, widespread, frequently collected species of Plagiognathus ; less commonly entire dorsum dark. - Fig. 10 - Fig. 18: Black A1-A2 usually with pronotum and scutellum entirely dark; however, some populations with pronotum pale on disc and with scutellum pale laterally
Where is Obscure Plant Bug found?
Range: e. NA to foothills of the Rockies, and in the west from n. UT to n. CA north to so. BC - Map , ne NA to c. TX to AK
What does Obscure Plant Bug eat?
The diet of the Obscure Plant Bug includes Hosts: Rhus glabra , Heracleum maximum , Aster sp, Cirsium horridulum , Betula occidentalis , Carpinus caroliniana , Corylus cornuta , Symphoricarpos sp, Rhododendron occidentale , Lathyrus sp, Melilotus sp, Quercus macrocarpa , Carya sp, Fraxinus pennsylvanica , Pinus ponderosa , Rosa sp, Spiraea douglasii , Spiraea sp, Salix sp, Ulmus sp, Urtica sp..
What is the life cycle of a Obscure Plant Bug?
Breeds on annuals