HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Quernocoris caliginosus

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

Identification and Appearance

Quernocoris caliginosus - Quernocoris caliginosus
Contributed by Jason Botz

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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Quernocoris caliginosus (5)

Quernocoris caliginosus - photo 1
Contributed by Jason Botz
Quernocoris caliginosus - photo 2
Contributed by Jason Botz
Quernocoris caliginosus - photo 3
Contributed by Jason Botz
Quernocoris caliginosus - photo 4
Contributed by Jason Botz
Quernocoris caliginosus - photo 5
Contributed by Jason Botz

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?
FeatureDetails
Male3.21-3.88 mm
Female3.31-3.59 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?
FeatureDetails
HabitatQuercus spp.
RangeCA (widespread within the state).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.