Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus
This record describes Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Superficially similar to red-speckled species of Parthenicus , but with only simple setae on dorsum, a weak basal carina on the head, and distinctively forked parameres. The left paramere is C-shaped and apically bifid, and the right paramere is four-branched. Also, there is a lower degree of sexual dimorphism than in most species of Parthenicus , with both sexes similarly ovoid in dorsal view.
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
- Pseudothenicus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Collected at lights in mesquite/oak woodland in Santa Cruz and Cochise Counties, AZ, elevation 4100'-5100'; host unknown.
Geographic Range
AZ
Seasonal Activity
August-September
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: rubro- (Latin, ="red") -punctatus (Latin, "spotted")
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus. 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 Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus
What is Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus?
Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 2.80-2.88 mm |
| Female | 2.92-3.12 mm |
How do you identify Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus?
Superficially similar to red-speckled species of Parthenicus , but with only simple setae on dorsum, a weak basal carina on the head, and distinctively forked parameres. The left paramere is C-shaped and apically bifid, and the right paramere is four-branched. Also, there is a lower degree of sexual dimorphism than in most species of Parthenicus , with both sexes similarly ovoid in dorsal view.
Where is Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Collected at lights in mesquite/oak woodland in Santa Cruz and Cochise Counties, AZ, elevation 4100'-5100'; host unknown. |
| Range | AZ |
When is Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus active?
Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus: seasonal activity - August-September.