Broken-backed Bug

Taylorilygus apicalis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
Superfamily: Miroidea
Family: Miridae
Subfamily: Mirinae
Tribe: Mirini
Genus: Taylorilygus
Species: apicalis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Taylorilygus apicalis: /ˌteɪləˈrɪlɪɡəs ˌæpɪˈkeɪlɪs/

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Summary

Taylorilygus apicalis, known as the broken-backed bug, is a species of plant bug belonging to the family Miridae. It is an adventive species in eastern North America and California, with records dating back to 1876.

Physical Characteristics

Taylorilygus apicalis can reach a length of about 4–5 millimetres (0.16–0.20 in). These bugs are usually light green, but may also be tan, with mainly brown outer wings and brown flecks on the inner wings. The wings tip appears bent down at a 45° angle. The eyes are white or light-colored, complemented by a very slender pronotal collar and an elaborately spined projection of the left paramere.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic wing shape that appears bent down at 45°. The coloration can vary with individuals being light green or tan, and they have brown flecks on the wings.

Distribution

This species is widespread in most of Europe, in the Afrotropical realm, in the Australasian realm, in the Neotropical realm, in the Oriental realm, in North America and in Oceania.

Diet

Polyphagous; primarily feeds on Asteraceae species, as well as Anthemis sp. and Salix sp.

Ecosystem Role

Broken-backed bugs are vectors of a phytoplasma-caused phyllody in species of Parthenium.