Plagiognathus politus
This record describes Plagiognathus politus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized unequivocally by the serrate margin of the vesical flange; dorsum convexly rounded, pronotum declivent; and dorsum clothed with recumbent, golden, shining, simple setae. Occurring as distinctive early- and late-season color morphs: early-season morph with dorsum, antennae, and all but apex of femora castaneous, cuneus with a pale lunate marking at base and posterior margin of vertex pale; late-season morph with scutellum golden , often with midline of scutellum and additional areas of dorsum, including base of corium and cuneus, also golden; femora partially to largely golden .
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 (v. widely dist., NS-GA-NM-MT) - Map
Seasonal Activity
most common Jun-Jul
Diet and Behavior
Diet: probably breeds primarily on Asteraceae, but recorded from a variety of plants including milkweed ; known to feed on animal material
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus politus Uhler 1895
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus politus. 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 politus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus politus
What is Plagiognathus politus?
Plagiognathus politus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus politus?
3.4–4.1 mm
How do you identify Plagiognathus politus?
Recognized unequivocally by the serrate margin of the vesical flange; dorsum convexly rounded, pronotum declivent; and dorsum clothed with recumbent, golden, shining, simple setae. Occurring as distinctive early- and late-season color morphs: early-season morph with dorsum, antennae, and all but apex of femora castaneous, cuneus with a pale lunate marking at base and posterior margin of vertex pale; late-season morph with scutellum golden , often with midline of scutellum and additional areas of dorsum, including base of corium and cuneus, also golden; femora partially to largely golden .
Where is Plagiognathus politus found?
Range: e. NA (v. widely dist., NS-GA-NM-MT) - Map
What does Plagiognathus politus eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus politus includes probably breeds primarily on Asteraceae, but recorded from a variety of plants including milkweed ; known to feed on animal material.
When is Plagiognathus politus active?
Plagiognathus politus: seasonal activity - most common Jun-Jul.