Stenodema laevigata
This record describes Stenodema laevigata (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8-9 mm. Stenodema species are elongate grass bugs with a longitudinal furrow between the eyes. The genus is best distinguished by the coarsely and densely pitted pronotum, Stenodema laevigata is very similar to Stenodema calcarata and Stenodema trispinosa, but lacks femoral spurs. There is a notch in the underside of the hind femora, near the apex. This species can be identified from good quality photographs with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with. Grassy Habitats. Both adults and larvae feed on the unripe grains of a number of grasses, although this species is often commoner in damper habitats than Stenodema calcarata. Overwintering as an adult and mating in the Spring, when both sexes turn green, although males are often darker than females. Larvae can be found May-July, the new generation of straw-coloured adults appearing from July onwards.
Wikipedia reference for Stenodema laevigata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenodema_laevigatum.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassy Habitats. Both adults and larvae feed on the unripe grains of a number of grasses, although this species is often commoner in damper habitats than Stenodema calcarata.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: all year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwintering as an adult and mating in the Spring, when both sexes turn green, although males are often darker than females. Larvae can be found May-July, the new generation of straw-coloured adults appearing from July onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Stenodema laevigata. 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 Stenodema laevigata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stenodema laevigata
What is Stenodema laevigata?
Stenodema laevigata is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Stenodema laevigata?
8-9 mm. Stenodema species are elongate grass bugs with a longitudinal furrow between the eyes. The genus is best distinguished by the coarsely and densely pitted pronotum, Stenodema laevigata is very similar to Stenodema calcarata and Stenodema trispinosa, but lacks femoral spurs. There is a notch in the underside of the hind femora, near the apex.
Where is Stenodema laevigata found?
Habitat: Grassy Habitats. Both adults and larvae feed on the unripe grains of a number of grasses, although this species is often commoner in damper habitats than Stenodema calcarata.
When is Stenodema laevigata active?
Stenodema laevigata: seasonal activity - Adult: all year round..
What is the life cycle of a Stenodema laevigata?
Overwintering as an adult and mating in the Spring, when both sexes turn green, although males are often darker than females. Larvae can be found May-July, the new generation of straw-coloured adults appearing from July onwards.