Tropidosteptes palmeri
This record describes Tropidosteptes palmeri (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Blatchley's key 1) Upper surface glabrous; 2) A1 pale; 3) Corium with a reddish or blackish line beginning on outer margin of radius, curving inwardly and widened to cover the apical fourth of corium; and 4) membrane with a fuscous spot at base and another at apex of its larger cell. Knight's key 1) Dorsum practically glabrous; and 2) Rostrum attaining hind margins of middle coxae; 3) A black line bordering outer margin of radius and curving mesad across apical area of corium. Kelton's key 1) A1 pale; and 2) Rostrum ≥ 1.54 mm.
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
Northeastern and Northcentral US states; QC, MB, SK - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: White ash ( Fraxinus americana , Oleaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: named for Edward Palmer (1829-1911), a botanist and naturalist.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tropidosteptes palmeri. 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 Tropidosteptes palmeri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by WonGun Kim; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Tropidosteptes palmeri
What is Tropidosteptes palmeri?
Tropidosteptes palmeri is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Tropidosteptes palmeri?
5.04-6.30 mm
How do you identify Tropidosteptes palmeri?
Blatchley's key 1) Upper surface glabrous; 2) A1 pale; 3) Corium with a reddish or blackish line beginning on outer margin of radius, curving inwardly and widened to cover the apical fourth of corium; and 4) membrane with a fuscous spot at base and another at apex of its larger cell. Knight's key 1) Dorsum practically glabrous; and 2) Rostrum attaining hind margins of middle coxae; 3) A black line bordering outer margin of radius and curving mesad across apical area of corium. Kelton's key 1) A1 pale; and 2) Rostrum ≥ 1.54 mm.
Where is Tropidosteptes palmeri found?
Range: Northeastern and Northcentral US states; QC, MB, SK - Map
What does Tropidosteptes palmeri eat?
The diet of the Tropidosteptes palmeri includes White ash ( Fraxinus americana , Oleaceae).