Tingis ampliata
This record describes Tingis ampliata (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 from other Tingis species by the four 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) extend beyond the base of the frontal processes. Tingis cardui (Spear Thistle Lace-bug) is very similar and is best distinguished by noting the host plant. Can be identified by external structure at 5-10X magnification. Found on Creeping Thistle, the host plant. Overwinters as an adult and aggregates on the foodplant in the spring and early summer, when mating takes place. Larvae are found June-September; the new adult generation is complete from August onwards. Tingis ampliata is found commonly throughout southern and central England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Tingidae (Lace Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Tinginae
- Tribe
- Tingini
- Genus
- Tingis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on Creeping Thistle, the host plant.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: all year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as an adult and aggregates on the foodplant in the spring and early summer, when mating takes place. Larvae are found June-September; the new adult generation is complete from August onwards.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Tingis ampliata
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tingis ampliata. 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 Tingis ampliata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tingis ampliata
What is Tingis ampliata?
Tingis ampliata is a species in the family Tingidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Tingis ampliata?
3-4 mm.
Where is Tingis ampliata found?
Habitat: Found on Creeping Thistle, the host plant.
When is Tingis ampliata active?
Tingis ampliata: seasonal activity - Adult: all year round..
What is the life cycle of a Tingis ampliata?
Overwinters as an adult and aggregates on the foodplant in the spring and early summer, when mating takes place. Larvae are found June-September; the new adult generation is complete from August onwards.