Plagiognathus tsugae
This record describes Plagiognathus tsugae (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the very small size, entirely castaneous coloration of the body, and pale legs. Most similar in general appearance and structure of the male genitalia to suffuscipennis and tumidifrons . Easily separated from suffuscipennis by the tan hemelytra in the eastern populations of that species, and from tumidifrons by the slightly larger size, strongly swollen frons, and castaneous coxae of that species and the detailed structure of vesica.
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
Northeast, ranging from the Maritime Provinces south to NC.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: Tsuga sp.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plagiognathus tsugae. 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 tsugae (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagiognathus tsugae
What is Plagiognathus tsugae?
Plagiognathus tsugae is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plagiognathus tsugae?
2.33-2.96 mm (male), 2.46-3.04 mm (female)
How do you identify Plagiognathus tsugae?
Recognized by the very small size, entirely castaneous coloration of the body, and pale legs. Most similar in general appearance and structure of the male genitalia to suffuscipennis and tumidifrons . Easily separated from suffuscipennis by the tan hemelytra in the eastern populations of that species, and from tumidifrons by the slightly larger size, strongly swollen frons, and castaneous coxae of that species and the detailed structure of vesica.
Where is Plagiognathus tsugae found?
Range: Northeast, ranging from the Maritime Provinces south to NC.
What does Plagiognathus tsugae eat?
The diet of the Plagiognathus tsugae includes Host: Tsuga sp..