Megaloceroea recticornis
(Geoffroy, 1785)
Megaloceroea recticornis is a of plant bug in the Miridae, distributed across the British Isles, mainland Europe, and North America. measure 8–10 mm and are green in color. Both adults and larvae feed on various grasses.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megaloceroea recticornis: //ˌmɛɡəloʊˈsɛriə ˌrɛktɪˈkɔrnɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Uniform green coloration and 8–10 mm body length distinguish . The straight (implied by the epithet 'recticornis') may aid identification, though this requires confirmation.
Images
Habitat
Grassy areas including meadows and fields where grasses grow.
Distribution
British Isles, mainland Europe (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Serbia, Corsica), and North America (USA: Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Vermont, New York, West Virginia, Wisconsin; Canada: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia). Also recorded from New Zealand, though this may represent an introduction.
Diet
Both and larvae feed on various grasses, specifically including meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), red fescue (Festuca rubra), timothy (Phleum pratense), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium).
Host Associations
- Alopecurus pratensis - food plantmeadow foxtail
- Festuca rubra - food plantred fescue
- Phleum pratense - food planttimothy
- Achillea millefolium - food plantyarrow
Ecological Role
Herbivore feeding on grasses; specific ecological role not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Miridae speciesMany Miridae are green and similar in size; precise identification requires examination of genitalia or other structural features.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was first described by Geoffroy in 1785. The Megaloceroea is , containing only M. recticornis.