Polymerus americanus
This record describes Polymerus americanus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
[Adults] differ from those of similarly colored species of Polymerus by having three pale, triangular marks at the base of the vertex, the markings typically equal in length... The base, apex, and lateral margins of the pronotum are white, and the hemelytra have the apical 1/3 of the embolar margin red and the [basal] 2/3 white. The tip of the labium is extended beyond the apices of the hind coxae, whereas the labium in all other species of Polymerus with a red cuneus is much shorter. ( 3 ) Det. Jason Botz, 2022 Type Locality: Texas (Belfrage) ( 5 )
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
- Mirinae
- Tribe
- Mirini
- Genus
- Polymerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w.-c. Texas - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: flowers of autumn sage ( Salvia greggii , Lamiaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polymerus americanus (Reuter)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Polymerus 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.
Photos of Polymerus americanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Polymerus americanus
What is Polymerus americanus?
Polymerus americanus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Polymerus americanus?
5.0-6.0 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Polymerus americanus?
[Adults] differ from those of similarly colored species of Polymerus by having three pale, triangular marks at the base of the vertex, the markings typically equal in length... The base, apex, and lateral margins of the pronotum are white, and the hemelytra have the apical 1/3 of the embolar margin red and the [basal] 2/3 white. The tip of the labium is extended beyond the apices of the hind coxae, whereas the labium in all other species of Polymerus with a red cuneus is much shorter. ( 3 ) Det. Jason Botz, 2022
Where is Polymerus americanus found?
Range: w.-c. Texas - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Polymerus americanus eat?
The diet of the Polymerus americanus includes flowers of autumn sage ( Salvia greggii , Lamiaceae) ( 3 ).