Psallus falleni
This record describes Psallus falleni (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Length 4 mm. The Psallus group includes many small bugs up to 6 mm, which are often mottled red, grey or dark brown. The pronotum and forewings are covered in scale like pale hairs and the tibial spines arise from black spots. Species identification of Psallus based on external features is often difficult and frequently impossible. However, P. falleni is a late season bug which occurs abundantly on birch across the UK. The cuneus is pale at the base and very narrowly pale at the tip. There are many similar species, but none which use birch as a host plant. Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
- Phylinae
- Tribe
- Phylini
- Genus
- Psallus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On birch.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: July to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Psallus falleni. 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 Psallus falleni (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Psallus falleni
What is Psallus falleni?
Psallus falleni is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Psallus falleni found?
Habitat: On birch.
When is Psallus falleni active?
Psallus falleni: seasonal activity - Adult: July to September..
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