Taylorilygus apicalis
(Fieber, 1861)
Broken-backed Bug
Taylorilygus apicalis, commonly known as the broken-backed , is a small plant bug in the Miridae. measure 4–5 mm and are typically light green or tan with distinctive brown wing markings. The is named for its characteristic wing posture, with tips bent downward at approximately 45°. It has a distribution across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania, and is known to feed primarily on Asteraceae species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Taylorilygus apicalis: /ˌteɪləˈrɪlɪɡəs ˌæpɪˈkeɪlɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar Miridae by the characteristic downward-bent wing tips at 45° (the 'broken-backed' appearance). The combination of light green or tan body color with brown outer wings and brown flecking on inner wings is diagnostic. The white or light-colored and very slender pronotal collar are additional identifying features. The elaborately spined left paramere projection is a key male genitalic character for definitive identification.
Images
Habitat
Associated with herbaceous vegetation, particularly plants in the Asteraceae . Has been observed in agricultural and natural settings where plants occur.
Distribution
distribution spanning Europe (including Corsica, mainland France, Italy, Portugal, Azores, Madeira, Spain, Canary Islands, Switzerland, former Yugoslavia), Africa (Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Madagascar, Morocco, Réunion, South Africa, St. Helena, Sudan, Zaire), Asia (Cyprus, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Ogasawara Islands, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, Yemen), North America (Mexico, USA: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas), Central America and Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts-Nevis), South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Galápagos Islands, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay), and Oceania (Australia: New South Wales, Queensland, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Mariana Islands).
Diet
plant feeder. Primary feeding is on Asteraceae , with documented association with Anthemis and Salix species.
Host Associations
- Asteraceae - primary Main plant for feeding
- Anthemis - Documented feeding on this
- Salix - Documented feeding on this
- Pinus - Attacks pine per distribution map source
- Parthenium - phytoplasma causing phyllody in this
Ecological Role
Phytophagous insect that feeds on plant sap. Documented as a of phytoplasma-caused phyllody in Parthenium , indicating a role in plant transmission.
Human Relevance
Agricultural pest significance due to its role as a of phytoplasma affecting Parthenium . The species' feeding habits on economically important plants including Asteraceae crops and Pinus may contribute to its pest status in some regions.
Similar Taxa
- Other Taylorilygus speciesCongeneric share similar body plan and coloration; T. apicalis distinguished by wing tip angle and male genitalic characters
- Other green Miridae in tribe MiriniSimilar size and general appearance; T. apicalis distinguished by characteristic broken-backed wing posture and brown wing markings
More Details
Taxonomic note
Originally described by Fieber in 1861. The Taylorilygus was established to accommodate previously placed in related genera.
Phytoplasma vector
The has been documented transmitting phytoplasma organisms that cause phyllody (abnormal leaf-like development of floral parts) in Parthenium species, demonstrating its capacity as a plant .