Miridae
Guides
Porpomiris curtulus
Porpomiris curtulus is a plant bug in the family Miridae that has been documented as a specialist herbivore of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Canada and the United States including Louisiana and Maryland. It is associated with grassland habitats dominated by its host plant.
Prepops
Prepops is the largest genus in the tribe Restheniini (subfamily Mirinae, family Miridae), containing approximately 190–198 described species of plant bugs. The genus exhibits a predominantly Neotropical distribution with 86% of species occurring in this region, while about 11% extend into the Nearctic. Biogeographic analysis reveals high species richness in subtropical regions, with 23 identified areas of endemism spanning the Nearctic, Mexican Transition Zone, Caribbean, and South American subregions.
Prepops atripennis
Prepops atripennis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It has been recorded from the United States (Nevada, New York, Texas), Cuba, and Brazil. The species was described by Reuter in 1876. As a member of the genus Prepops, it belongs to a group of mirids commonly known as leaf bugs.
Prepops cruciferus
Prepops cruciferus is a plant bug in the family Miridae native to the Neotropics. It was first described from Argentina in 1878 and has been documented across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species was newly discovered in the United States (Florida) in the late 20th century, representing a northward range expansion. It is associated with vegetation and has documented host plant relationships.
Prepops fraterculus
Prepops fraterculus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1923. It belongs to the genus Prepops, a group of mirid bugs found primarily in North America. The species has been recorded from multiple states in the eastern and central United States.
Prepops nigricollis
Prepops nigricollis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Reuter in 1876. It belongs to the genus Prepops, which comprises predatory or omnivorous mirids found primarily in North America. The species has been recorded in the northeastern United States and Canada. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits wooded or shrubby vegetation where it feeds on small arthropods and possibly plant material.
Prepops nigripilus
Prepops nigripilus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1929. The species was originally placed in the genus Platytylellus before being transferred to Prepops. It is a member of the diverse Miridae family, one of the largest families of true bugs.
Prepops rubroscutellatus
Prepops rubroscutellatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1929. The species is known from two recognized subspecies: P. r. nigriscutis and P. r. rubroscutellatus. It occurs in North America, with confirmed records from New Mexico.
Proba
Proba is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Distant in 1884. These true bugs belong to the order Hemiptera and are part of the diverse mirid fauna. Members of this genus are small, soft-bodied insects with the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of the order. The genus is documented in entomological collections and databases, with observations recorded in citizen science platforms.
Proba californica
Proba californica is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1968. Originally placed in the genus Pinalitus as Pinalitus californicus, it was later transferred to Proba. The species is known from California, USA, and represents one of the documented members of this genus in North America. As with other mirid plant bugs, it is presumed to feed on plant tissues, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Proba distanti
plant bug
Proba distanti is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Atkinson in 1890. It occurs in Central America and North America, with confirmed records from Cuba, Mexico, and Guatemala. As a member of the large and diverse family Miridae, it belongs to one of the most species-rich families of true bugs. The species is documented in entomological collections and has been reported in biodiversity databases, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Proba sallei
Proba sallei is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is distributed across the Neotropical region, with records from Mexico through Central America to South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. The species was originally described by Carl Stål in 1862 under the name Dagbertus sallei. As a member of the large and diverse family Miridae, it belongs to one of the most species-rich families of true bugs, though specific biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Proboscidotylus
Proboscidotylus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Thomas J. Henry in 1995. As a member of the diverse Miridae family, it belongs to the suborder Heteroptera (true bugs) within the order Hemiptera. The genus is part of the infraorder Cimicomorpha, a group that includes many predatory and phytophagous bug lineages. Very few observations of this genus have been documented, with only 15 records on iNaturalist as of the source data.
Psallus
Psallus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, subfamily Phylinae, comprising over 160 described species. The genus is predominantly Palearctic in distribution, with some species demonstrating Holarctic ranges and several having been introduced to the Nearctic region. Species are generally small, often measuring under 4 mm, with many exhibiting reddish or orange coloration. Host plant associations have been documented for several species, primarily with woody plants including oaks (Quercus), willows (Salix), and birch (Betula).
Pseudatomoscelis
Pseudatomoscelis is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Poppius in 1911. The genus contains at least four described species, with P. seriatus (cotton fleahopper) being the most economically significant due to its status as a major pest of cotton in the southern United States. Species in this genus are associated with diverse host plants, including both agricultural crops and native wild plants.
Pseudoloxops
plant bugs
Pseudoloxops is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) established by Kirkaldy in 1905. Recent integrative taxonomic research in French Polynesia has dramatically expanded knowledge of the genus, describing 17 new species from this region alone and bringing the total of endemic French Polynesian species to 20—representing one-third of all known Pseudoloxops species worldwide. The genus exhibits unusual host plant associations, including rare fern specialization in some species.
Pseudoloxops coccineus
Pseudoloxops coccineus is a small plant bug in the family Miridae, originally described from Europe in 1843. The species has been introduced to North America, with established populations documented in Ontario, Canada since approximately 1973. Its introduction is believed to have occurred accidentally via nursery stock importations of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The species belongs to a genus that has undergone significant taxonomic revision in recent years, with integrative approaches revealing substantial cryptic diversity in Pacific island populations.
Pseudopsallus angularis
yerba santa plant bug
Pseudopsallus angularis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is distributed across western North America from the southwestern United States into northwestern Mexico, with records from California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, and Baja California. The species is associated with yerba santa (Eriodictyon species) and related host plants.
Pseudopsallus demensus
Pseudopsallus demensus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, originally described by Van Duzee in 1925. It belongs to the genus Pseudopsallus, a group of mirids primarily associated with herbaceous vegetation in temperate and semi-arid regions. The species occurs across western North America, from the Great Plains through the Rocky Mountains and into northern Mexico. Records suggest it occupies grassland and open habitat zones, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Pseudopsallus puberus
Pseudopsallus puberus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It was described by Uhler in 1894. The species is distributed across western North America and parts of Central America.
Pseudopsallus sericatus
Pseudopsallus sericatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Colorado, Montana, South Dakota). The species was described by Uhler in 1895. Little is known about its specific biology or ecology.
Pseudothenicus
Pseudothenicus is a small genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, subfamily Bryocorinae. Members of this genus are poorly documented in the scientific literature, with only a handful of observations recorded. They belong to a group of mirids associated with mosses and other bryophytes.
Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus
Pseudothenicus rubropunctatus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, subfamily Mirinae. The genus Pseudothenicus is small and poorly documented, with limited published information on its biology and ecology. The species name 'rubropunctatus' refers to red spotting, suggesting distinctive coloration. It has been recorded from a small number of observations on iNaturalist, indicating it may be uncommon, undercollected, or restricted in range.
Pseudoxenetus regalis
Eastern Regal Oak Mirid
Pseudoxenetus regalis is a plant bug in the family Miridae, commonly known as the Eastern Regal Oak Mirid. This species belongs to the order Hemiptera, the true bugs, characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. It has been documented across the eastern and southeastern United States.
Pycnocoris ursinus
Pycnocoris ursinus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1914. It belongs to a small genus within the diverse mirid fauna of western North America. The species is documented from California, with limited published information on its biology. As with many mirids, it likely feeds on plant fluids, though specific host associations remain unconfirmed.
Pycnoderes
Pycnoderes is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, comprising more than 50 described species. Members are native primarily to the Americas, with some species such as P. quadrimaculatus expanding their range and demonstrating invasive potential. The genus includes species that feed on a variety of plants, including economically important crops.
Pycnoderes quadrimaculatus
bean capsid
Pycnoderes quadrimaculatus, commonly known as the bean capsid, is a plant-feeding mirid bug native to North and Central America. The species has expanded its range to South America and the Caribbean, with records from Oceania suggesting further spread. Ecological niche modeling indicates potential for establishment in diverse climatic regions worldwide, raising concerns about its capacity to become an agricultural pest on multiple continents.
Quernocoris caliginosus
Quernocoris caliginosus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Weirauch in 2006. It is a true bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) belonging to the large and diverse mirid fauna of western North America. The genus Quernocoris is associated with oak (Quercus) habitats, reflecting its etymology. As a recently described species, detailed natural history information remains limited in the primary literature.
Reuteria fuscicornis
Reuteria fuscicornis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1939. The species is known from the eastern United States, with records from New York, Washington D.C., Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. As a member of the Miridae, it belongs to one of the largest families of true bugs, commonly referred to as plant bugs or leaf bugs.
Reuteria platani
Reuteria platani is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1941. It is found in North America, with documented records from Illinois, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. As a member of the Miridae, it belongs to the largest family of true bugs, though specific ecological details about this species remain limited in available literature.
Reuteroscopus
A genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, comprising over 50 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. Members are small true bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of the family. The genus was established by Kirkaldy in 1905 and represents a diverse lineage within the Cimicomorpha.
Reuteroscopus basicornis
Reuteroscopus basicornis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1965. It belongs to a genus whose members are known for their distinctive morphological features, including modified head structures. The species is recorded from Arizona, USA. Like other mirid plant bugs, it is presumed to be plant-feeding, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Reuteroscopus nicholi
Reuteroscopus nicholi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1930. The genus Reuteroscopus is known for distinctive, often ornate species that are typical visitors to blacklights. This species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other mirids, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Reuteroscopus tinctipennis
Reuteroscopus tinctipennis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1925. It belongs to a genus of mirid bugs characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species is known from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, with records primarily from Arizona and Texas.
Rhinacloa callicrates
Rhinacloa callicrates is a plant bug (Miridae) native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It was introduced to Australia as a biological control agent for the invasive woody weed Parkinsonia aculeata. The species has been observed to feed and oviposit almost exclusively on P. aculeata, and established populations are present in Queensland, Australia.
Rhinacloa forticornis
western plant bug
Rhinacloa forticornis is a phyline mirid with a broad geographic distribution spanning the Americas, Caribbean, and Pacific. Laboratory studies demonstrate facultative predatory behavior on soft-bodied arthropods, particularly thrips larvae, using fore tarsi to manipulate prey and exhibiting extra-oral digestion. However, the species shows preferential feeding on plant tissue, indicating that phytophagy remains the predominant feeding mode. It has been introduced to Hawaii (1962) and is considered a pest of cotton and other crops in some regions.
Rhinacloa manleyi
Rhinacloa manleyi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Schuh & Schwartz in 1985. The genus Rhinacloa belongs to the diverse mirid subfamily Cylapinae, a group of small predatory or mycophagous bugs often associated with leaf litter and decaying vegetation. Records indicate presence across Middle America, North America, and South America including Brazil (Mato Grosso). Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits tropical and subtropical forest floor environments.
Rhinocapsus
azalea plant bug
Rhinocapsus is a small genus of North American plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Uhler in 1890. The genus contains two described species: Rhinocapsus rubricans and Rhinocapsus vanduzeei, the latter commonly known as the azalea plant bug. These insects belong to the true bugs (Heteroptera) and are part of the diverse mirid fauna of North America.
Rhinocapsus vanduzeei
Azalea plant bug
Rhinocapsus vanduzeei, commonly known as the azalea plant bug, is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is native to North America, with documented records from Canada and several eastern U.S. states including Georgia, New York, and West Virginia. The species is known to feed on azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) as its primary host plant, but has also been observed consuming Lepidopteran eggs, whiteflies, and thrips, suggesting a mixed feeding strategy that includes both plant and animal prey.
Roburocoris
Roburocoris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Weirauch in 2009. The genus belongs to the diverse and economically significant family of true bugs, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The limited number of observations (17 records on iNaturalist) suggests it is either rare, cryptic, or restricted to specific habitats. As a recently described genus, its species composition and ecological relationships require further study.
Roburocoris exiguus
Roburocoris exiguus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Weirauch in 2009. The species is distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. As a member of the Miridae, it belongs to a large and diverse family of true bugs commonly known as plant bugs or leaf bugs.
Saileria irrorata
Saileria irrorata is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by T. Henry in 1976. It is a small true bug known from scattered records across the eastern and southeastern United States. As a member of the plant bug family, it is presumed to feed on plant fluids, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Scalponotatus
Scalponotatus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Kelton in 1969. The genus contains nine described species, most of which were described by Kelton in the same year. Species are distributed in North America, with some extending into Mexico. The genus is part of the diverse mirid fauna associated with vegetation.
Scalponotatus albibasis
Scalponotatus albibasis is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Knight in 1938. It is a small predatory or phytophagous true bug with a documented distribution in North America, specifically recorded from Arizona. The species belongs to a genus within the diverse mirid fauna of the region.
Schaffneria davisi
Schaffneria davisi is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, described by Knight in 1923. It is distributed across the eastern Nearctic region, with records from multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The species was originally described under the genus Pamillia before being transferred to Schaffneria.
Semiini
plant bugs
Semiini is a tribe of plant bugs within the subfamily Phylinae of the family Miridae (Hemiptera). The tribe comprises more than 30 genera distributed across multiple continents. Some members exhibit specialized host-plant associations, including the Australian genus Restiophylus, which is uniquely associated with the plant family Restionaceae. The tribe has been subject to taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analysis to clarify relationships within Phylinae.
Semium
Semium is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, tribe Semiini, subfamily Phylinae. The genus contains seven described species distributed across North America from Canada to Mexico. One species, Semium brailovskyi, has been documented in association with the host plant Euphorbia misera (Euphorbiaceae). The genus was established by Reuter in 1876.
Semium hirtum
Semium hirtum is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Reuter in 1876. It is distributed across parts of North America and Central America, with confirmed records from Canada, Mexico, and multiple U.S. states including Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and West Virginia. The species belongs to a small genus of mirid bugs, with only four known species in the genus Semium. As a member of the Miridae, it is a true bug with piercing-sucking mouthparts typical of the family.
Sericophanes
Sericophanes is a genus of plant bugs (Miridae) established by Reuter in 1876, containing more than 20 described species. These insects belong to the true bug order Hemiptera, characterized by their piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus is part of the diverse mirid fauna, one of the largest families within Heteroptera.
Sixeonotus
Sixeonotus is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, established by Reuter in 1876. The genus contains more than 30 described species. Members of this genus are true bugs (Hemiptera) in the suborder Heteroptera. As with other Miridae, these insects are small to medium-sized plant bugs with piercing-sucking mouthparts.