Pycnoderes medius
This record describes Pycnoderes medius (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
1) Small size (< 3mm); 2) Pronotal disk bilobed by a median sulcus; 3) Embolium with distinct pale spot only at base; 4) Scutellum convex; 5) Mesoscutum not exposed; and 6) Membrane and veins distinctly fuscous . Type Locality: MO.
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
- Bryocorinae
- Tribe
- Eccritotarsini
- Genus
- Pycnoderes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (MO, IL, MS, TN) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pycnoderes medius Knight, 1926
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pycnoderes medius. 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 Pycnoderes medius (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pycnoderes medius
What is Pycnoderes medius?
Pycnoderes medius is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pycnoderes medius?
2.8-2.9 mm
How do you identify Pycnoderes medius?
1) Small size (< 3mm); 2) Pronotal disk bilobed by a median sulcus; 3) Embolium with distinct pale spot only at base; 4) Scutellum convex; 5) Mesoscutum not exposed; and 6) Membrane and veins distinctly fuscous .
Where is Pycnoderes medius found?
Range: e. US (MO, IL, MS, TN) - Map