Harpocera thoracica

Harpocera thoracica
Harpocera thoracica, male
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Cimicomomorpha
Superfamily: Miroidea
Family: Miridae
Subfamily: Mirinae
Genus: Harpocera
Species: H. thoracica
Binomial name
Harpocera thoracica
(Fallen, 1807)

Harpocera thoracica is a species of bugs from Miridae family.

Distribution

This rather common species could be found anywhere in Europe except for the Baltic states, Canary Islands, Finland, Iceland, Malta, and Russia.[1]

Habitat

These bugs inhabit hedge rows and sunny, dry areas with oaks.[2][3]

Description

Harpocera thoracica, female

Harpocera thoracica can reach a length of about 6–6.4 millimetres (0.24–0.25 in) in males, of 6.4–6.8 millimetres (0.25–0.27 in) in females.[3][4] An evident dimorphism exists between the males and the females of this species. Males show a more elongated body, longer tibiae and a characteristic inflated 2nd antennal segment.

The basic body color of these bugs ranges from black, dark brown or orange to pale brown.[4] The tips of hemelytra are black, surrounded by white markings. Legs are yellowish-brown and antennae are brown.

The nymphs have dark hairs and thickened basal antennal segments. They are reddish or pinkish-white-coloured.[2][4]

Ecology

Adults can be found from late April or May to the middle of June at the latest and live for only one month, with females living a bit longer.[4] These zoo phytophagous bugs suck on buds, feed on pollen and on juices of oaks (Quercus robur), feed on nectar of Anthriscus sylvestris and occasionally hunt small insects, especially aphids.[3][5] After the eggs have been deposited, they remain for 10 months.[6] After the species spend their time in the egg, larvae appear. The larva development takes no more than two weeks.[4] As that time passes, nymphs appear. Males are victims of ultra-violet lights, and may be found in moth traps.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Countries where the species don't inhabit". 2.6.2. Fauna Europaea. August 29, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  2. 1 2 Nymph colour
  3. 1 2 3 Commanster
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 British Bugs
  5. ↑ Karel Hradil, Václav Psota and Pavla Štastná Species Diversity of True Bugs on Apples in Terms of Plant Protection Plant Protect. Sci. - Vol. 49, 2013, No. 2: 73–83
  6. ↑ Ecology
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