HemipteraMiridae – Plant Bugs

Reuteroscopus femoralis

This record describes Reuteroscopus femoralis (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Reuteroscopus femoralis - Reuteroscopus femoralis
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Hind femora with at least a patch of reddish coloration near the apex, sometimes more extensively reddened. also most individuals have prominent red eyes (MAQ, pers. obs.) Det. Jason Botz, 2021 mostly recorded at UV lights

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
Reuteroscopus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

AZ, n. TX to Mex. (Sonora) - Map

Seasonal Activity

July-Nov in TX (BG data)

Diet and Behavior

Life History

several records of this(?) sp. on Euphorbia in TX , AZ & AZ ( 4 ) , this apparent asso. is fitting given the bug's aposematic coloration. Note, there are at least 9 spp. of Reuteroscopus reported ( 5 ) , for AZ so these two dets. may be incorrect. However the widespread Reuteroscopus ornatus (Reuter) is polyphagus .

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Reuteroscopus femoralis. 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 Reuteroscopus femoralis (5)

Reuteroscopus femoralis - photo 1
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Reuteroscopus femoralis - photo 2
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Reuteroscopus femoralis - photo 3
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Reuteroscopus femoralis - photo 4
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Reuteroscopus femoralis - photo 5
Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Reuteroscopus femoralis

What is Reuteroscopus femoralis?

Reuteroscopus femoralis is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How do you identify Reuteroscopus femoralis?

Hind femora with at least a patch of reddish coloration near the apex, sometimes more extensively reddened. also most individuals have prominent red eyes (MAQ, pers. obs.) Det. Jason Botz, 2021

Where is Reuteroscopus femoralis found?

Range: AZ, n. TX to Mex. (Sonora) - Map

When is Reuteroscopus femoralis active?

Reuteroscopus femoralis: seasonal activity - July-Nov in TX (BG data).

What is the life cycle of a Reuteroscopus femoralis?

several records of this(?) sp. on Euphorbia in TX , AZ & AZ ( 4 ) , this apparent asso. is fitting given the bug's aposematic coloration. Note, there are at least 9 spp. of Reuteroscopus reported ( 5 ) , for AZ so these two dets. may be incorrect. However the widespread Reuteroscopus ornatus (Reuter) is polyphagus .

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Botz; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.