Phytocoris populi
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Phytocoris populi |
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| ( Linnaeus , 1758) |
Phytocoris populi is a species of bug from the family of soft bugs (Miridae).
features
The bugs are 6.4 to 7.3 millimeters long. The species of the genus Phytocoris can be recognized by their long thighs ( femora ) of the hind legs and the long first antennae . Only Miridius quadrivirgatus also has these characteristics. Phytocoris populi is a gray-brown and black-spotted species in which the first antennae is black, but has several white stripes. The white and dark bands on the rails ( tibia ) of the middle legs are clearly visible. Both the males and the females are fully winged (macropter).
Occurrence and habitat
The species is widespread in almost all of Europe and is only absent in the southern Mediterranean. To the east, the distribution extends to Siberia. The species was introduced into North America by humans. It is widespread in Germany and not uncommon, in some places also frequent. Floodplain forest-like habitats are often settled, but also isolated trees and dry habitats.
Way of life
The bugs live on various deciduous trees, especially on poplars ( Populus ) and willows ( Salix ), more rarely also on linden ( Tilia ), birch ( Betula ), alder ( Alnus ), ash ( Fraxinus ) or fruit trees. During the day, both the nymphs and the adults sit mostly in cracks in the bark on the trunk of the host plants. They predominantly feed on aphids , leaf fleas , bark lice and other small invertebrates that live on the stem of the plants. The adult bugs can be seen from July to September. They are very active in flight.
supporting documents
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d Ekkehard Wachmann , Albert Melber, Jürgen Deckert: Bugs. Volume 2: Cimicomorpha: Microphysidae (lichen bugs), Miridae (soft bugs) (= The animal world of Germany and the adjacent parts of the sea according to their characteristics and their way of life . 75th part). Goecke & Evers, Keltern 2006, ISBN 3-931374-57-2 , p. 110 .
- ↑ Phytocoris populi. British Bugs, accessed January 4, 2015 .
literature
- Ekkehard Wachmann , Albert Melber, Jürgen Deckert: Bugs. Volume 2: Cimicomorpha: Microphysidae (lichen bugs), Miridae (soft bugs) (= The animal world of Germany and the adjacent parts of the sea according to their characteristics and their way of life . 75th part). Goecke & Evers, Keltern 2006, ISBN 3-931374-57-2 .
Web links
- Phytocoris populi in Fauna Europaea. Retrieved January 4, 2015
- www.britishbugs.org.uk - photos, description