Pseudatomoscelis seriatus

(Reuter, 1876)

cotton fleahopper

Pseudatomoscelis seriatus, commonly known as the cotton fleahopper, is a plant bug in the Miridae and a significant economic pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in Texas and Oklahoma. are approximately 3 mm long with , pale green to gray-green coloration, and active when disturbed. The exhibits -associated genetic differentiation across its geographic range and shows strong edge-biased distribution patterns in cotton fields, with densities declining significantly from field margins toward the interior.

Pseudatomoscelis seriatus by (c) River Ahlquist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by River Ahlquist. Used under a CC-BY license.Cotton Fleahopper - Pseudatomoscelis seriatus, near Buffalo, Texas by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Scudder's Bush Katydid nymph and Cotton Fleahopper, Buffalo, Texas by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudatomoscelis seriatus: //suːdˌætəməˈskɛlɪs sɪˈraɪətəs//

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Habitat

Cotton agroecosystems; field margins with diverse non-cotton vegetation serve as source . migrate from wild plants into cotton fields during early summer as non-crop hosts mature and become less suitable. Distribution within fields is strongly edge-biased, with densities up to 70% higher at field boundaries (0 m) compared to 100–300 m into the field interior.

Distribution

Widely distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. Within the United States, documented from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Nevada. In 2021, infested 98% of cotton acres in Texas.

Seasonality

Active during the cotton growing season; move into cotton in early summer as wild plants mature. The first three weeks of squaring represent the most sensitive period for cotton damage. After first bloom, economic damage potential decreases significantly.

Diet

phloem feeder with . Feeds on newly formed pre-floral structures (squares) and meristem of cotton. Injects saliva containing that digest plant walls, enabling stylet penetration and sap ingestion.

Life Cycle

are inserted into cotton plant stems and are not visible externally. Nymphs develop through five instars; small nymphs (≤third instar) and large nymphs (fourth and fifth instar) can be distinguished. Late instar nymphs are characterized by small black dots on the hind tibiae. overwinter and return to woolly croton (Croton capitatus) at season end to oviposit, serving as a year-end site of admixture between .

Behavior

are active flyers that readily flit within the cotton when disturbed, making sampling challenging. Exhibits from field margin weeds into cotton fields, initially showing clumped distribution near edges before becoming more uniform as the season progresses. Nymphs often hide within the plant canopy when disturbed. Shows fidelity, with demonstrating preference for and performance on natal host plants.

Ecological Role

Major economic pest of cotton causing substantial yield losses; average reduction of 100,577 bales in Texas and Oklahoma from 2010–2021, with 494,000 bales lost in 2021 alone (USD 266.5 million). Feeding on squares causes abscission and fruit loss; terminal feeding can shorten internodes, cause abnormal node formation, and delay maturity. Potential prey for natural enemies including the striped lynx spider (Oxyopes salticus). Serves as for associated bacterial and fungal microorganisms; may facilitate transmission of plant . Woolly croton functions as a natural promoting between infesting cotton and alternative hosts, relevant for insect resistance management.

Human Relevance

Significant agricultural pest requiring active management in cotton production. Control relies heavily on foliar-applied chemical , though timing challenges often reduce optimization. Transgenic cotton expressing the Mpp51Aa2 (ThryvOn) Bt protein has shown effectiveness in delaying nymphal development, suppressing , and increasing square retention. Scouting methods include terminal inspection and beat bucket sampling, with action thresholds ranging from 10–30 fleahoppers per 100 plants depending on region. Broad-spectrum insecticide applications after the second week of squaring are discouraged due to risk of secondary pest .

Similar Taxa

  • Verde plant bug (Creontiades signatus)Both are mirid bugs in cotton agroecosystems with similar edge-biased distribution patterns and internal boll-feeding damage; however, verde plant bug is larger (approximately 12 mm), has red and prominent , and is primarily restricted to coastal South Texas and Mexico.
  • Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.)Similar plant bug nymphs with and square/boll feeding damage; distinguished by the conspicuous dark-colored triangle on the back, four black spots on the and one large black spot near the base in late instar nymphs, and red-tipped .
  • Cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii)Small green insects in cotton terminals that may be confused with fleahopper nymphs; distinguished by presence of cornicles (two protrusions at the tip), sedentary colony , and honeydew production.

Sources and further reading