Closterotomus fulvomaculatus
(De Geer, 1773)
spotted plant bug
Closterotomus fulvomaculatus is a small plant bug in the Miridae, measuring 6–7 mm as an . Adults are brownish in coloration, while nymphs are green or yellowish-green. The completes its development by July in temperate regions. It is known to feed on various herbaceous plants including clover, nettle, and members of the Asteraceae family.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Closterotomus fulvomaculatus: /klɒstəˈroʊtəməs fʊlvoʊˌmækjuˈleɪtəs/
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Identification
are brownish and 6–7 mm long; nymphs are green or yellowish-green. May be confused with Closterotomus norvegicus (potato ), which has two distinct spots on the prothorax—a feature not mentioned for C. fulvomaculatus. Unlike Lygus , Closterotomus lacks the colored triangular scutellum at the wing attachment point.
Images
Distribution
Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, and Sweden. Also recorded in Algeria, Turkey, and parts of Siberia. Absent from Andorra, Azores, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ireland, Madeira, Malta, and northwestern Russia.
Seasonality
Nymphs present in spring and early summer; appear by July. are laid in cracks of woody stems during late July and August.
Diet
Feeds on various herbaceous plants including Trifolium (clover), Urtica (nettle), and multiple Asteraceae : Anthemis, Carduus, Cirsium, and Matricaria.
Life Cycle
are deposited in cracks of woody stems during late July and August. Nymphs develop through spring and early summer, reaching adulthood by July.
Ecological Role
Herbivore feeding on flowers and vegetation of diverse plant ; specific functions not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Closterotomus norvegicusSame and similar size (6–8 mm); distinguished by two spots on prothorax in C. norvegicus, which are absent in C. fulvomaculatus; C. norvegicus also shows stronger association with cultivated crops including potato and carrot.
- Lygus spp.Same (Miridae) and general habitus; distinguished by Lygus having a colored triangular scutellum at the wing base, which Closterotomus lacks.