Plinthisus americanus
This record describes Plinthisus americanus (species). Recorded family: Rhyparochromidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Plinthisus americanus (Plinthisus americanus) is a species in the family Rhyparochromidae, commonly known as dirt-colored seed bugs, belonging to the order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies). It is classified within the subfamily Plinthisinae, suborder Heteroptera, superfamily Lygaeoidea. This species belongs to the genus Plinthisus. Size: 3‒3.5 mm.
Identification notes
dorsal habitus photos: AK • QC
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Lygaeoidea
- Family
- Rhyparochromidae (Dirt-colored Seed Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Plinthisinae
- Genus
- Plinthisus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
n.NA (NB‒CT‒AB‒*AK) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) (*Alaska Mus.)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plinthisus americanus Van Duzee 1910
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plinthisus americanus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plinthisus americanus
What is Plinthisus americanus?
Plinthisus americanus is a species in the family Rhyparochromidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Plinthisus americanus?
3‒3.5 mm
How do you identify Plinthisus americanus?
dorsal habitus photos: AK • QC
Where is Plinthisus americanus found?
Range: n.NA (NB‒CT‒AB‒*AK) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) (*Alaska Mus.)