Phytocoris squamosus
Knight, 1934
Phytocoris squamosus is a of plant bug in the Miridae, first described by Knight in 1934. It is recorded from the western United States including Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and Oregon. As a member of the Phytocoris, it shares the general characteristics of being mostly plant-feeding with occasional on smaller insects. The species is documented in 46 iNaturalist observations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phytocoris squamosus: //faɪˈtoʊkɔˌrɪs skwəˈmoʊsəs//
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Identification
Phytocoris squamosus can be distinguished from other Phytocoris by the specific epithet "squamosus," which refers to -like structures on the body surface. Members of the Phytocoris are typically gray or brown in coloration. Accurate identification to species level requires examination of genitalia and other microscopic features; field identification based on coloration alone is unreliable due to similarity among .
Images
Distribution
Western United States: Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and Oregon.
Diet
Phytocoris are primarily plant-feeders but have been observed to occasionally prey on smaller insects.
Behavior
Phytocoris are attracted to lights at night.
Similar Taxa
- Orthotylus spp.Similar gray or brown mirid plant bugs that co-occur at lights; Orthotylus can be distinguished by different antennal proportions and male genitalia structure.
- Ceratocapsus spp.Another of gray/brown mirids found in similar ; Ceratocapsus typically have distinctive pronotal shapes and different hemelytral texture.
- Lygus spp.Larger mirid plant bugs with similar general appearance; Lygus have more robust body proportions and different color patterning, often with more distinct markings on the surface.