Plagiognathus salicicola
This record describes Plagiognathus salicicola (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the pale orange or light-brown background coloration of the dorsum, often with darker longitudinal markings on the hemelytra, antennal segment 2 mostly pale with a dark base, elongate ovoid body, and the calli darkened and contrasting with much of remainder of pronotum. Similar to albatus and tinctus in having antennal segment 2 pale except at extreme base, and further to albatus in having much of the dorsum pale or weakly darkened; distinguished by its larger size, partly to totally pale coloration of the venter, and male genitalic structure.
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. US (Ont-MN-LA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Salix spp. (Salicaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plagiognathus salicicola Knight, 1929
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus salicicola. 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 salicicola (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus salicicola
What is Plagiognathus salicicola?
Plagiognathus salicicola is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus salicicola?
3.98-4.37 mm (male), 3.85-4.11 mm (female)
How do you identify Plagiognathus salicicola?
Recognized by the pale orange or light-brown background coloration of the dorsum, often with darker longitudinal markings on the hemelytra, antennal segment 2 mostly pale with a dark base, elongate ovoid body, and the calli darkened and contrasting with much of remainder of pronotum. Similar to albatus and tinctus in having antennal segment 2 pale except at extreme base, and further to albatus in having much of the dorsum pale or weakly darkened; distinguished by its larger size, partly to totally pale coloration of the venter, and male genitalic structure.
Where is Plagiognathus salicicola found?
Range: e. US (Ont-MN-LA)
What does Plagiognathus salicicola eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus salicicola includes Salix spp. (Salicaceae).