Potato Capsid
Closterotomus norwegicus
This record describes Closterotomus norwegicus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6-8 mm. It is one of several similar green species, although mature males are tinged red-brown and specimens from northern Britain may have brownish-black markings. The tibial spines are shorter than the width of the tibia, and the length of the 2nd antennal segment is roughly equal to the 3rd and 4th combined. While the two spots on the pronotum are distinctive, these are shared by several other species. The dark marks at the top of the scutellum are variable and may be absent. It can be found in meadows and hedgerows where it feeds on a wide range of plants, especially nettles, composites and clovers.
Wikipedia reference for Closterotomus norwegicus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closterotomus_norwegicus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can be found in meadows and hedgerows where it feeds on a wide range of plants, especially nettles, composites and clovers.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: May-October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread across Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Closterotomus norwegicus. 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 Potato Capsid (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Capsid
What is Potato Capsid?
Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Potato Capsid?
6-8 mm. It is one of several similar green species, although mature males are tinged red-brown and specimens from northern Britain may have brownish-black markings. The tibial spines are shorter than the width of the tibia, and the length of the 2nd antennal segment is roughly equal to the 3rd and 4th combined. While the two spots on the pronotum are distinctive, these are shared by several other species. The dark marks at the top of the scutellum are variable and may be absent.
Where is Potato Capsid found?
Habitat: It can be found in meadows and hedgerows where it feeds on a wide range of plants, especially nettles, composites and clovers.
When is Potato Capsid active?
Potato Capsid: seasonal activity - Adult: May-October..