Polymerus gerhardi
This record describes Polymerus gerhardi (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
All black dorsum with white pubescence; coxae and femora orangish; tibia and tarsi black; tibia thick; rostrum very short, not exceeding front coxae
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
Known from IL, IN, MS, OK, and TX.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: ?
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Polymerus gerhardi. 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 gerhardi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Polymerus gerhardi
What is Polymerus gerhardi?
Polymerus gerhardi is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Polymerus gerhardi?
All black dorsum with white pubescence; coxae and femora orangish; tibia and tarsi black; tibia thick; rostrum very short, not exceeding front coxae
Where is Polymerus gerhardi found?
Range: Known from IL, IN, MS, OK, and TX.
What does Polymerus gerhardi eat?
The diet of the Polymerus gerhardi includes ?.