European Tarnished Plant Bug
Lat. “Lygus rugulipennis“ species
of family
“Plant Bugs“ 1 species
Lygus rugulipennis is a common and widespread species found in Europe and the Nearctic realm, primarily in gardens and areas with abundant vegetation. These small plant bugs can be identified by their fine pubescent corium and bristly legs. They have a variable color pattern, usually ranging from purple to yellowish brown. They are polyphagous and feed on various plants, including crops, making them a harmful pest. Adult bugs are present year-round, but more abundant in late summer, and they usually winter in leaf litter.
Distribution and habitat
This common and widespread species is present in most of Europe and in the Nearctic realm. These bugs mainly occur in gardens and in areas with abundant vegetation.
Description
Lygus rugulipennis can reach a length of 5–6 millimetres (0.20–0.24 in). These small plant bugs can be identified mainly on the basis of the fine details of the corium, that in this species is very pubescent, with the space among hairs less than the length of one hair. Legs are quite bristly and wings-tips are membranous. The color pattern and markings are quite variable, ranging from purple to yellowish brown. Usually the males are more strongly marked than females, that commonly vary from dark red to light reddish-brown. Lygus rugulipennis is quite similar to Lygus pratensis and Lygus maritimus.
Biology
These polyphagous bugs can be found on many plants. They may feed on Trifolium, Chenopodium, Rumex, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Urticaceae and Asteraceae species. They also feed on potatoes, cereals, alfalfa and other crops, so they are considered a very harmful pest. Adults are present all year, but they are more abundant in late summer. They usually winter in leaf litter.
Bibliography
Nau, B. S. (2004) Identification of plantbugs in the genus Lygus in Britain
Jarmo K. Holopinen, Risto Rikala, Pirjo Kailunainen, Jari Oksane - Resource partitioning to growth, storageand defence in nitrogen-fertilized Scotspine and susceptibility of the seedlings to the tarnished plant bug Lygus rugulipennis
Jarmo K. Holopainen - Damage caused by Lygus rugulipennis Popp. (Heteroptera, Miridae), to Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings
