Blepharidopterus chlorionis

(Say, 1832)

Honeylocust plant bug, Honey Locust Plant Bug

Blepharidopterus chlorionis, commonly known as the honeylocust plant , is a mirid bug and significant pest of honey locust trees (Gleditsia triacanthos). Nymphs and feed on expanding leaf tissues using , causing leaves to crinkle, twist, cup, and become stunted. Damage is most severe in spring when new foliage emerges, though trees often produce a second flush of leaves in summer that masks early injury. The completes one per year, with in twigs and hatching when buds break in spring.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Blepharidopterus chlorionis: //blɛfˌhærɪˈdɒptərəs kləˈraɪənɪs//

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

Identification

Bright green coloration distinguishes and nymphs from many other mirids. Confirmed by association with honey locust trees and characteristic leaf damage: crinkled, twisted, cupped, and stunted leaflets appearing in spring. are hidden within twigs, not visible on leaf surfaces. Wingless nymphs present in spring; winged adults appear by June.

Habitat

Urban and suburban landscapes, residential plantings, and corporate campuses where honey locust trees are cultivated. Thrives in the hot, dry, polluted conditions typical of city environments that the tree tolerates. Native range corresponds to the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys where the host tree originated.

Distribution

North America: recorded from Canada (Ontario) and USA (Indiana, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin). Distribution aligns with cultivated range of honey locust rather than strictly native range. Single record from France (PRESENT) suggests possible introduction or vagrant occurrence.

Seasonality

hatch in spring when honey locust buds break and new leaves appear. Nymphal development occurs in spring, with most nymphs completing growth and molting to by June. Adults present through summer, feeding on leaves and mating. Single per year. Eggs overwinter in twigs.

Diet

feeder on honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). Nymphs and pierce tender of expanding leaves with , extracting cell contents and destroying tissue.

Host Associations

  • Gleditsia triacanthos - obligate Major pest; feeding causes leaf deformation and stunting. Trees may drop damaged leaves and produce second flush.

Life Cycle

Hemimetabolous (gradual ): → five nymphal instars → . Eggs inserted into twigs in summer, overwinter, and hatch following spring. One per year.

Behavior

Nymphs and feed on expanding foliage, causing immediate visible damage. Adults disperse by when disturbed—vigorous shaking of branches can send dozens flying. Adults mate in summer and females use ovipositor to insert into twigs.

Ecological Role

Herbivore and recognized pest of cultivated honey locust. (unspecified) consume dislodged nymphs that fall to ground. No documented role as prey for specialized predators or in nutrient cycling beyond standard herbivory.

Human Relevance

Significant pest in urban forestry and landscaping. Damage is primarily cosmetic; trees typically recover with summer leaf flush. Management options include water sprays to dislodge nymphs or for severe . Economic impact limited by tree .

Similar Taxa

More Details

Synonym history

Formerly placed in Diaphnocoris as D. chlorionis; current accepted combination is Blepharidopterus chlorionis. Basionym Capsus chlorionis Say, 1832.

Tree resilience

Despite severe early-season damage, honey locust is described as 'one tough tree' that typically recovers without long-term harm, producing new leaves that hide spring injury.

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Sources and further reading