Pseudopsallus viridicans
This record describes Pseudopsallus viridicans (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Smaller than most in the genus; green or yellowish green cast on pronotal disk; strongly curved tarsal claw with large, angulate base; males with three tergal processes [on the genital capsule]. Female macropterous. The large, angulate base of the tarsal claw is shared with P. puberus (Uhler), which differs in having only two tergal processes on the genital capsule, and generally a reddish or orange-brown cast on the pronotal disk.
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
- Orthotylinae
- Tribe
- Orthotylini
- Genus
- Pseudopsallus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ (disjunct), CO, KS, TX; Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Knight reported it on Oenothera curtiflora (syn. Gaura parviflora ).
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pseudopsallus viridicans. 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 Pseudopsallus viridicans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudopsallus viridicans
What is Pseudopsallus viridicans?
Pseudopsallus viridicans is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pseudopsallus viridicans?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | 3.7-4.3 mm |
| Females | 3.8-4.4 mm |
How do you identify Pseudopsallus viridicans?
Smaller than most in the genus; green or yellowish green cast on pronotal disk; strongly curved tarsal claw with large, angulate base; males with three tergal processes [on the genital capsule]. Female macropterous. The large, angulate base of the tarsal claw is shared with P. puberus (Uhler), which differs in having only two tergal processes on the genital capsule, and generally a reddish or orange-brown cast on the pronotal disk.
Where is Pseudopsallus viridicans found?
Range: AZ (disjunct), CO, KS, TX; Mexico
What does Pseudopsallus viridicans eat?
The diet of the Pseudopsallus viridicans includes Knight reported it on Oenothera curtiflora (syn. Gaura parviflora )..