Oak Catkin Mirid
Tropidosteptes quercicola
This record describes Tropidosteptes quercicola (species). Recorded family: Miridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished by the robust oval form, convex frons and scutellum, short rostrum, and coloration. (Johnston 1939) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2011 nymph Det. M. A. Quinn, 2024 Type Locality: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas, April 1, 1933 (H. G. Johnston). Paratypes: 42 males and females taken with the types on live oak ( Quercus virginiana ) where the species breeds abundantly; 21 males and females, April 24, 1932, Sonora, Texas (S. E. Jones), light trap. (Johnston 1939)
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
Habitat
One of the most commonly collected mirids in oak-juniper woodlands of c. TX ( 4 )
Geographic Range
wide spread in TX, Gulf Coast to e. FL penninsula / ne. Mex. (Dallas to New Orleans to Monterrey, MX) - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly March-April ( 4 ) ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Breeds abundantly on live oaks ( Quercus virginiana , Quercus fusiformis ) (Johnston 1939) ( 4 )
Life History
Catkin mimic, populations spike during catkin season ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: quercicola (L). 'the oak dweller'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tropidosteptes quercicola. 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 Oak Catkin Mirid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Catkin Mirid
What is Oak Catkin Mirid?
Oak Catkin Mirid (Tropidosteptes quercicola) is a species in the family Miridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Oak Catkin Mirid?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | Length 4.6 mm. |
| Female | Length 4.9 mm. (Johnston 1939) |
How do you identify Oak Catkin Mirid?
Distinguished by the robust oval form, convex frons and scutellum, short rostrum, and coloration. (Johnston 1939) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2011 nymph Det. M. A. Quinn, 2024
Where is Oak Catkin Mirid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | One of the most commonly collected mirids in oak-juniper woodlands of c. TX ( 4 ) |
| Range | wide spread in TX, Gulf Coast to e. FL penninsula / ne. Mex. (Dallas to New Orleans to Monterrey, MX) - Map |
What does Oak Catkin Mirid eat?
The diet of the Oak Catkin Mirid includes Breeds abundantly on live oaks ( Quercus virginiana , Quercus fusiformis ) (Johnston 1939) ( 4 ).
When is Oak Catkin Mirid active?
Oak Catkin Mirid: seasonal activity - mostly March-April ( 4 ) ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Oak Catkin Mirid?
Catkin mimic, populations spike during catkin season ( 4 )