Polymerus fasciolus
This record describes Polymerus fasciolus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Allied to elegans Reut., but size smaller, rostrum and antennal segments shorter, apical half of femora banded with blackish. Knight goes on to describe the distinctive color pattern in great detail.
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
Habitat
Woodland (described from Payson, AZ). Host not reported.
Geographic Range
AZ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Polymerus fasciolus Knight, 1943
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Polymerus fasciolus. 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 fasciolus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Polymerus fasciolus
What is Polymerus fasciolus?
Polymerus fasciolus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Polymerus fasciolus?
Male: 2.8 mm (female not described)
How do you identify Polymerus fasciolus?
Allied to elegans Reut., but size smaller, rostrum and antennal segments shorter, apical half of femora banded with blackish. Knight goes on to describe the distinctive color pattern in great detail.
Where is Polymerus fasciolus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodland (described from Payson, AZ). Host not reported. |
| Range | AZ |