Mirini

Ashmead, 1904

Genus Guides

Mirini is a large tribe of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae) containing over 180 distributed worldwide. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Lygus, whose members are major agricultural pests of North American crops. Mirini exhibit diverse ecological associations, including myrmecomorphic (-mimicking) forms and specialized relationships with particular plants.

Neolygus vitticollis by (c) Nick Block, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nick Block. Used under a CC-BY license.

Camptozygum by (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid. Used under a CC-BY license.

Neolygus vitticollis by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mirini: /ˈmiːrɪnaɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Mirini is distinguished from related tribes by the combination of dorsally punctate body surface and genitalic structures; the so-called 'Lygus complex' within Mirini is characterized by particular male and female genitalic morphologies. Specific identification requires examination of genitalic structures and detailed morphological analysis.

Images

Habitat

Diverse including agricultural fields, alfalfa and hay fields, and natural vegetation. Specific associations documented with gramineous dwarf bamboo (Pleioblastus chino), Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla), and rattlepod (Crotalaria sp.).

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with documented records from Nearctic region (southern Quebec, northeastern United States, California, Idaho, Ontario), Japan (central Honshu, Niigata Prefecture), Australia (northern Queensland), Vietnam, French Guiana, Cambodia, and Papua New Guinea.

Seasonality

Vernal activity period observed in some ; Azumamiris vernalis appear only in early May. documented in at least one species.

Host Associations

Pleioblastus chino - plantgramineous dwarf bamboo
Buxus microphylla - plantJapanese boxwood
Crotalaria sp. - plantrattlepod, Fabaceae
Oecophylla smaragdina - associated green tree ; myrmecomorphic association

Life Cycle

Nymphal stages are parasitized by endoparasitoid in the Leiophron and Peristenus (Braconidae: Euphorinae). has been observed in some .

Behavior

Myrmecomorphy (-mimicry) has been documented in at least one Australian . Some species show highly specific temporal activity patterns, with restricted to brief spring periods.

Ecological Role

for agents used in ; some (particularly Lygus) function as significant agricultural pests. Myrmecomorphic participate in -associated ecological networks.

Human Relevance

Members of the Lygus are important pests of a wide variety of North American crops. efforts using (Leiophron and Peristenus ) have been developed for programs, though establishment of introduced species has not yet shown evident impact on pest levels.

Similar Taxa

Other Mirinae tribesMirini is distinguished by punctation and genitalic structures; subtribal classification has been revised with multiple synonymies established (Capsaria = Horistaria = Dionconotaria = Miraria)

More Details

Taxonomic complexity

The subtribal classification of Mirini remains under discussion, with the validity of the 'Lygus complex' being debated. Recent taxonomic work has established numerous new synonymies and combinations, and reinstated previously synonymized .

Parasitoid associations

Sixteen of Leiophron and Peristenus have been documented parasitizing Lygus nymphs. Most of these endoparasitoid species appear to be distinct in their distribution and , with high temperatures limiting geographical distribution of some species.