Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 440

The Plagiognathus arbustorum species is common in the Nearctic realm, Europe, Siberia, and Central Asia. They inhabit high-altitude herbaceous areas, ruderal areas, and even salt spots. Adult individuals can reach a length of 3.6–4.5 millimeters and display a variable color range. They are polyphagous, feeding on various herbaceous plants, with a preference for Urticaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, and Apiaceae species. They mainly feed on buds, flowers, and immature fruits, but also consume aphids and honeydew occasionally.