Closterotomus fulvomaculatus
(De Geer, 1773)
spotted plant bug
Closterotomus fulvomaculatus is a small in the , measuring 6–7 mm as an . Adults are brownish in coloration, while 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/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
are brownish and 6–7 mm long; are green or yellowish-green. May be confused with Closterotomus norvegicus (potato ), which has two distinct spots on the —a feature not mentioned for C. fulvomaculatus. Unlike , Closterotomus lacks the colored triangular at the 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
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. develop through spring and early summer, reaching adulthood by July.
Ecological Role
feeding on flowers and vegetation of diverse ; specific functions not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Closterotomus norvegicusSame and similar size (6–8 mm); distinguished by two spots on in C. norvegicus, which are absent in C. fulvomaculatus; C. norvegicus also shows stronger association with cultivated including potato and carrot.
- Lygus spp.Same () and general habitus; distinguished by having a colored triangular at the base, which Closterotomus lacks.