Garden Fleahopper
Microtechnites bractatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
- Superfamily: Miroidea
- Family: Miridae
- Subfamily: Orthotylinae
- Tribe: Halticini
- Genus: Microtechnites
- Species: bractatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Microtechnites bractatus: /maɪ.kroʊˈtɛk.nɪ.tiːz brækˈteɪ.təs/
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Summary
Microtechnites bractatus, commonly known as the garden fleahopper, is a species of plant bug in the Miridae family. It is characterized by its small size and unique coloration. Found mainly in North America and Brazil, it primarily feeds on leguminous plants and can be problematic for agriculture due to its damaging feeding habits.
Physical Characteristics
1.5-2.25 mm; minute, black; antennomere 1 and often the middle of the second and the base of the third pale; patches of silvery scale-like hairs on the front wing.
Identification Tips
Males are always macropterous, while females can exhibit either macropterous or brachypterous morphology. The rounded black female can resemble H. intermedius but is distinguishable by size and morphology.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats but commonly associated with leguminous crops.
Distribution
North America to Brazil.
Diet
Broad host range, but frequently damages leguminous crops.
Life Cycle
Overwinters as eggs in colder regions or as adults in warmer areas.
Economic Impact
Can cause damage to leguminous crops, impacting agriculture.