Striped Oak Bug
Rhabdomiris striatellus
This record describes Rhabdomiris striatellus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 to 8 mm. This is a very striking bug. The females are usually paler then males. Miris striatus is larger and more elongate, with a completely yellow/orange cuneus and an entirely dark head. Overwintered eggs hatch in April, the larvae feeding on unripe catkins and becoming adult from mid May onwards. Common (British Heteroptera checklist (2021) - https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/systematic_het.html
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
- Mirinae
- Tribe
- Mirini
- Genus
- Rhabdomiris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequently found on or near Oak.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: May-July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwintered eggs hatch in April, the larvae feeding on unripe catkins and becoming adult from mid May onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common (British Heteroptera checklist (2021) -
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Rhabdomiris striatellus. 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 Striped Oak Bug (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Striped Oak Bug
What is Striped Oak Bug?
Striped Oak Bug (Rhabdomiris striatellus) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Striped Oak Bug?
7 to 8 mm. This is a very striking bug. The females are usually paler then males.
Where is Striped Oak Bug found?
Habitat: Frequently found on or near Oak.
When is Striped Oak Bug active?
Striped Oak Bug: seasonal activity - Adult: May-July..
What is the life cycle of a Striped Oak Bug?
Overwintered eggs hatch in April, the larvae feeding on unripe catkins and becoming adult from mid May onwards.