Ash Plant Bug
Tropidosteptes amoenus
This record describes Tropidosteptes amoenus (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
- Tropidosteptes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental in Canada , widespread in e. US to GA-TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Ash trees ( Fraxinus , Oleaceae)
Life History
Two generations per year in many states. First generation lays eggs on the midribs of leaves. Second generation lays eggs (in clusters of 2-12) in twigs or buds or other protected areas of the tree, where they overwinter. The first generation is more damaging because it feeds on young leaf tissue. Bugs feeding on the undersides of leaves cause a mottled yellow appearance. Severely damaged leaves may wilt and turn brown.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tropidosteptes amoenus amoenus Reuter
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tropidosteptes amoenus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ash Plant Bug
Where is Ash Plant Bug found?
Range: transcontinental in Canada , widespread in e. US to GA-TX
What does Ash Plant Bug eat?
The diet of the Ash Plant Bug includes hosts: Ash trees ( Fraxinus , Oleaceae).
What is the life cycle of a Ash Plant Bug?
Two generations per year in many states. First generation lays eggs on the midribs of leaves. Second generation lays eggs (in clusters of 2-12) in twigs or buds or other protected areas of the tree, where they overwinter. The first generation is more damaging because it feeds on young leaf tissue. Bugs feeding on the undersides of leaves cause a mottled yellow appearance. Severely damaged leaves may wilt and turn brown.