Quernocoris caliginosus
This record describes Quernocoris caliginosus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

From Weirauch, omitting figure references: Recognized by the moderate size, reddish to chocolate-brown coloration in the male, the pronotum mottled with dark spots, [and form of the male genitalia]. Distinguished from the similarly sized and colored Insulaphylus cruz by the restriction of dark spots to the pronotum, which do not extend to the scutellum, and by the male genitalia.
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
- Phylinae
- Tribe
- Phylini
- Genus
- Quernocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Quercus spp.
Geographic Range
CA (widespread within the state).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Named for the dark brown coloration of the male, after Latin adjective caliginosus , meaning 'dark'."
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Quernocoris caliginosus. 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 Quernocoris caliginosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz
Frequently Asked Questions About Quernocoris caliginosus
What is Quernocoris caliginosus?
Quernocoris caliginosus is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Quernocoris caliginosus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 3.21-3.88 mm |
| Female | 3.31-3.59 mm |
How do you identify Quernocoris caliginosus?
From Weirauch, omitting figure references: Recognized by the moderate size, reddish to chocolate-brown coloration in the male, the pronotum mottled with dark spots, [and form of the male genitalia]. Distinguished from the similarly sized and colored Insulaphylus cruz by the restriction of dark spots to the pronotum, which do not extend to the scutellum, and by the male genitalia.
Where is Quernocoris caliginosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Quercus spp. |
| Range | CA (widespread within the state). |
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