Plagiognathus punctatipes
This record describes Plagiognathus punctatipes (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the generally castaneous coloration, ovoid body, neatly arranged, recumbent, golden, shining vestiture of dorsum, pale antennal segment 2 except at extreme base, femora mostly pale with some dark blotches, and tibiae pale at articulation with femora.
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
Northeastern North America, as far west as IL and as far south as West VA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Physocarpus opulifolius (Rosaceae) (Wheeler and Hoebeke, 1985) and Viburnum spp. (Caprifoliaceae)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus punctatipes. 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 punctatipes (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus punctatipes
What is Plagiognathus punctatipes?
Plagiognathus punctatipes is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus punctatipes?
3.39-3.54 mm (male), 3.48-3.72 mm (female)
How do you identify Plagiognathus punctatipes?
Recognized by the generally castaneous coloration, ovoid body, neatly arranged, recumbent, golden, shining vestiture of dorsum, pale antennal segment 2 except at extreme base, femora mostly pale with some dark blotches, and tibiae pale at articulation with femora.
Where is Plagiognathus punctatipes found?
Range: Northeastern North America, as far west as IL and as far south as West VA
What does Plagiognathus punctatipes eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus punctatipes includes Physocarpus opulifolius (Rosaceae) (Wheeler and Hoebeke, 1985) and Viburnum spp. (Caprifoliaceae).