Bryocoris pteridis
(Fallen, 1807)
Bryocoris pteridis is a small plant bug in the Miridae, specialized on fern feeding. It is widespread across Europe and the Palearctic, occurring from lowlands to alpine elevations up to 1500 m. The exhibits wing , with brachypterous forms predominating. It completes one or occasionally two per year, with active from June through September.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Bryocoris pteridis: //braɪˈɒkɔrɪs ˈtɛrɪdɪs//
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Identification
Small mirid bug associated with ferns; dark with first antennal segment longer than head width. Wing with brachypterous forms predominating helps distinguish from fully winged relatives. Specific association with fern fronds bearing sporangia provides ecological context for identification.
Images
Habitat
Shaded, moist deciduous forest, particularly where ferns grow. Found from lowlands to 1500 m elevation in the Alps and central uplands.
Distribution
Europe from Ireland westward across the northern Mediterranean edge, eastward across the Palearctic to Siberia. Widespread in Central Europe including Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Belgium.
Seasonality
occur from June, peak mating in July, with most individuals persisting until late August or September. Occasional females observed into October.
Diet
Phytophagous: feeds on ferns (Polypodiaceae), primarily Dryopteris, Pteridium (bracken), and Athyrium. Sucks fluids from fern fronds, specifically those bearing sporangia.
Host Associations
- Dryopteris - plantprimary fern
- Pteridium - plantbracken
- Athyrium - plantprimary fern
Life Cycle
Hemimetabolous. Overwinters as . Eggs laid individually at apices or on stems of plants. Nymphs develop through spring; mature nymphs occasionally found in late September suggesting partial second in some individuals.
Behavior
Females oviposit singly on plant vascular tissue. and nymphs feed on fern fronds with sporangia.
Ecological Role
Herbivore specialized on ferns; tied to fern and sporangia production.
Similar Taxa
- Other Bryocoris speciesShare fern-feeding ; B. pteridis distinguished by antennal proportions and specific range
- Generalist MiridaeB. pteridis distinguished by obligate fern association and wing pattern
More Details
Wing polymorphism significance
The predominance of brachypterous forms, especially in females, suggests to stable fern with limited need; males may facilitate .
Elevation range
Occurs from sea level to 1500 m, demonstrating broad thermal within shaded, humid forest conditions.