Orthotylinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
Superfamily: Miroidea
Family: Miridae
Subfamily: Orthotylinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Orthotylinae: //ˌɔːrθoʊˈtaɪlɪniː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Blepharidopterus angulatus - Flickr - S. Rae by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Blepharidopterus angulatus (nymph) - Flickr - S. Rae (1) by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Orthocephalus saltator, Minera, North Wales, July 2018 by janetgraham84new. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Blepharidopterus angulatus on Silver Birch (23783166366) by Line Sabroe from Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Heterotoma planicornis (48371237531) by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

SaundersHemipteraHeteropteraBritishIslesPlate25 by Edward Saunders. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Orthotylinae is a subfamily of plant bugs within the family Miridae, characterized by their lamellate, apically divergent parempodia and diverse genera. The group is diverse, with significant representation in South America and Australia, containing at least 650 species and 70 genera.

Physical Characteristics

Possession of lamellate, apically divergent parempodia; male and female genitalia with specific structural attributes such as vesical spicules in males and elaborations of the posterior wall in females.

Identification Tips

Look for lamellate and apically divergent parempodia which are distinct features of this subfamily.

Habitat

Diverse habitats worldwide with significant diversity in South America and Australia.

Distribution

At least 650 described species and about 70 genera in Orthotylinae, with diversity particularly noted in South America and Australia.

Diet

Primarily phytophagous (plant-eating), feeding on a variety of plants.

Life Cycle

Typical hemipteran life cycle involving egg, nymph, and adult stages, with nymphs resembling miniature adults.

Reproduction

Male and female genital structures provide evidence for the potential monophyly of the group.

Ecosystem Role

Important herbivores in various ecosystems, contributing to plant community dynamics.

Economic Impact

Some species may impact agriculture as pests, but specific economic impacts are not detailed in available literature.

Collecting Methods

Net collection from vegetation
Sweep netting
Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Drying
Mounting on pins

Evolution

Formerly classified within the family Miridae, evidence based on genital structures suggests potential monophyly.