Blepharidopterus
Kolenati, 1845
Species Guides
3- Blepharidopterus angulatus(black-kneed capsid)
- Blepharidopterus chlorionis(Honeylocust plant bug)
- Blepharidopterus provancheri
Blepharidopterus is a of predatory plant bugs ( Miridae) containing approximately nine described . The genus includes notable agents, particularly Blepharidopterus angulatus, which preys on spider mites, aphids, and leafhoppers in orchard and tree . Members of this genus have been studied extensively for their role in natural pest suppression.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Blepharidopterus: //blɛˌfærɪˈdɒptərəs//
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Identification
Small to medium-sized mirid bugs; distinguishing features from similar predatory mirid require examination of male genitalia and detailed morphological characters not consistently documented across all . Blepharidopterus angulatus is recognizable by the distinctive black markings on the ("black-kneed ").
Images
Habitat
Associated with deciduous trees, particularly fruit trees (apple, lime) and woody vegetation supporting of spider mites, aphids, and leafhoppers. Orchard in temperate regions.
Distribution
Recorded from Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom) and North America; distribution varies by . Blepharidopterus angulatus occurs in Europe; B. provancheri and B. chlorionis in North America.
Diet
Predatory; feeds on spider mites (Metatetranychus ulmi), aphids (Eucallipterus tiliae), and leafhoppers (Alnetoidea alneti). Specific prey associations vary by and .
Behavior
Active searching ; searching and prey- requirements have been quantified for B. angulatus. Parasitized individuals show altered feeding patterns, with fifth-instar nymphs consuming significantly more prey.
Ecological Role
Predatory natural enemy of phytophagous arthropods; functions as a agent of pest mites and insects in orchards and urban tree environments. Subject to by braconid wasps (Peristenus spp.) and associated hyperparasitoids.
Human Relevance
Studied and utilized as a agent for spider mites and aphids in fruit orchards. The black-kneed (B. angulatus) has been investigated specifically for suppression of fruit tree red spider mite .
Similar Taxa
- Other predatory Miridae (e.g., Anthocoris, Orius)Blepharidopterus shares general mirid and predatory habits with these , but differs in specific prey associations and preferences; accurate identification requires examination.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Ecology of the parasites of a predatory bug, Blepharidopterus angulatus (Fall.)
- Searching Behaviour and Prey-Density Requirements of Blepharidopterus angulatus (Fall.) (Heteroptera: Miridae) as a Predator of the Lime Aphid, Eucallipterus tiliae (L.), and Leafhopper, Alnetoidea alneti (Dahlbom)
- Biology of Some Predatory Insects and Mites Associated With the Fruit Tree Red Spider Mite (Metatetranychus Ulmi(Koch)) in South-Eastern England: I. The Biology ofBlepharidopterus Angulatus(Fall.) (Hemiptera-Heteroptera, Miridae)