Pseudoxenetus regalis
This record describes Pseudoxenetus regalis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: slender black ant mimic with two main color forms: form regalis (more common from North Carolina southward) usually has reddish-orange pronotum and white scutellum; form scutellatus (more common from North Carolina northward) usually has blackish pronotum and white scutellum but there is considerable variation in color within both forms; some individuals have a dark scutellum, some individuals have an orange scutellum, and individuals of both color forms may be found anywhere within the range of the species [see References below] Nymph: first and second instars are whitish-green; third to fifth instars are reddish-brown The names regalis and scutellatus were proposed at the same time (in 1890 by Uhler) but regalis was designated the type species of the genus Trigonotylus at that time, so the name regalis has been retained instead of scutellatus. ( 5 )
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
- Pseudoxenetus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-NY-MN) / Ont. - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Jun (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: nymphs and adults feed on leaves of oak ( Quercus spp.) ( 3 ) ; on red oak Q. buckleyi in central Texas ( 4 )
Life History
one generation per year; overwinters as an egg
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pseudoxenetus regalis. 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 Pseudoxenetus regalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudoxenetus regalis
What is Pseudoxenetus regalis?
Pseudoxenetus regalis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pseudoxenetus regalis?
6-8 mm (BG data)
How do you identify Pseudoxenetus regalis?
Adult: slender black ant mimic with two main color forms: form regalis (more common from North Carolina southward) usually has reddish-orange pronotum and white scutellum; form scutellatus (more common from North Carolina northward) usually has blackish pronotum and white scutellum but there is considerable variation in color within both forms; some individuals have a dark scutellum, some individuals have an orange scutellum, and individuals of both color forms may be found anywhere within the range of the species [see References below] Nymph: first and second instars are whitish-green; third to fifth instars are reddish-brown
Where is Pseudoxenetus regalis found?
Range: e US (TX-FL-NY-MN) / Ont. - Map
What does Pseudoxenetus regalis eat?
The diet of the Pseudoxenetus regalis includes nymphs and adults feed on leaves of oak ( Quercus spp.) ( 3 ) ; on red oak Q. buckleyi in central Texas ( 4 ).
When is Pseudoxenetus regalis active?
Pseudoxenetus regalis: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Jun (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Pseudoxenetus regalis?
one generation per year; overwinters as an egg