Psallus wagneri

This record describes Psallus wagneri (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

4 mm long. Dark brown-black, males are darker than females. The upper surface is covered with golden hairs and the femora are dark. Species level identification of Psallus based on external features is difficult and frequently impossible, especially for females. Noting the host plant may narrow down the range of possibilities. This species cannot be separated from Psallus perrisi (which also occurs on oak) without dissection of the male genitalia. The male aedaegus has a long, broadly curved sub-apical process (c.f. the relatively short sub-apical process in P. perrisi ). Widely scattered (British Heteroptera checklist (2021) - https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/systematic_het.html No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Miridae
Genus: Psallus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

On Oak.

Seasonal Activity

Spring-Summer.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Widely scattered (British Heteroptera checklist (2021) -

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Psallus wagneri. 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.

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