Psallus varians
This record describes Psallus varians (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 4 mm. The Psallus group includes many small bugs (< 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. Identification is complex and ideally requires microscopic examination. The images placed in red boxes are likely to be this species but they can only be claimed to be representative of the species. However, the host plant can be informative and may narrow down the range of possibilities. Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species. Several very similar Psallus species occur on Oak, one of which is P. varians . The adults and larvae feeding on small insects as well as the host trees. very common (British Heteroptera checklist (2021) - https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/systematic_het.html
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Several very similar
Seasonal Activity
Adult: May-August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults and larvae feeding on small insects as well as the host trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
very common (British Heteroptera checklist (2021) -
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Psallus varians. 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 varians (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Psallus varians
What is Psallus varians?
Psallus varians is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Psallus varians?
about 4 mm. The
How do you identify Psallus varians?
is complex and ideally requires microscopic examination. The images placed in red boxes are likely to be this species but they can only be claimed to be representative of the species. However, the host plant can be informative and may narrow down the range of possibilities.
Where is Psallus varians found?
Habitat: Several very similar
When is Psallus varians active?
Psallus varians: seasonal activity - Adult: May-August..
What is the life cycle of a Psallus varians?
The adults and larvae feeding on small insects as well as the host trees.