Spear Thistle Lacebug
Tingis cardui
This record describes Tingis cardui (species). Recorded family: Tingidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3-4 mm. Tingis species are grey-brown lacebugs which are covered in white powdery deposits made of wax. The 4th antennal segment is clearly broader than 3rd and there are three frontal processes (small projections arising from the front of the head between the antennae). They are always fully-winged. It is distinguished by the black-tipped antennae and tibiae and by the 2-3 rows of meshes at the edge of the pronotum and along the margins of the forewings. The two projections arising just behind the eyes (occipital processes) are very short, and do not extend beyond the frontal processes. Tingis ampliata is very similar and best distinguished by noting the host plant (Creeping Thistle). Can be identified by external structure at 5-10X magnification. Anywhere that Spear Thistle the host plant grows. Overwinters as an adult and lays eggs on the foodplant Spear Thistle in the spring and early summer. Larvae June-September; the new adult generation is complete from July onwards. Fairly common throughout most of Britain
Wikipedia reference for Tingis cardui: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tingis_cardui.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere that Spear Thistle the host plant grows.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: All year round
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as an adult and lays eggs on the foodplant Spear Thistle in the spring and early summer. Larvae June-September; the new adult generation is complete from July onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common throughout most of Britain
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tingis cardui. 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 Spear Thistle Lacebug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Spear Thistle Lacebug
What is Spear Thistle Lacebug?
Spear Thistle Lacebug (Tingis cardui) is a species in the family Tingidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Spear Thistle Lacebug?
3-4 mm.
Where is Spear Thistle Lacebug found?
Habitat: Anywhere that Spear Thistle the host plant grows.
When is Spear Thistle Lacebug active?
Spear Thistle Lacebug: seasonal activity - Adult: All year round.
What is the life cycle of a Spear Thistle Lacebug?
Overwinters as an adult and lays eggs on the foodplant Spear Thistle in the spring and early summer. Larvae June-September; the new adult generation is complete from July onwards.