Lygus punctatus

(Zetterstedt, 1838)

plant bug

Lygus punctatus is a of plant bug in the Miridae. It reaches a body length of approximately 6–7 mm. The species has a broad distribution across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. have been recorded in high abundance on alfalfa (Medicago sativa).

Lygus punctatus 56450478 by Andra Waagmeester. Used under a CC0 license.

Lygus punctatus 56450571 by Andra Waagmeester. Used under a CC0 license.

Lygus punctatus 56450565 by Andra Waagmeester. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lygus punctatus: /ˈlaɪɡəs pʌŋkˈteɪtəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Lygus by the rounded lateral margin of the pronotum, deeply punctate and non-swollen scutellum, and the relatively less dense and coarse punctation on the middle of the compared to other parts of the . The shining reddish to orange-red coloration of the pronotum and hemelytra is also distinctive.

Images

Appearance

Body length approximately 6–7 mm. Pronotum and are shining and more or less distinctly reddish, orange-red, or brownish-red. Lateral margin of pronotum is rounded. Scutellum is deeply punctate and not swollen. Middle of is less densely and less coarsely punctate than other parts of hemelytra.

Distribution

Europe; Northern Asia (excluding China); North America; Southern Asia. Specific records include Austria, Britain, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Italy, Lappland, Macedonia, Mongolia, Scotland, Siberia, Sweden, Tuva (USSR), and Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Labrador, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory) and Michigan (USA).

Diet

have been recorded in high abundance on alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Specific feeding habits beyond this association are not documented.

Host Associations

Medicago sativa - recorded highly abundant on alfalfa

Similar Taxa

Other Lygus speciesSimilar body plan and general appearance; distinguished by specific punctation patterns and coloration of L. punctatus
Lygus rugulipennisOverlapping distribution and similar preferences; requires examination of punctation and scutellum shape for separation

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet 'punctatus' refers to the punctate (dotted or pitted) surface texture, particularly evident on the scutellum and .