Harpocera thoracica is a species of bugs from Miridae family.
| Harpocera thoracica | |
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| Harpocera thoracica, male | |
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| Species: | H. thoracica
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| Binomial name | |
| Harpocera thoracica (Fallén, 1807)
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Distribution edit
This rather common species could be found anywhere in Europe except for the Baltic states, Canary Islands, Finland, Iceland, Malta, and Russia.[1]
Habitat edit
These bugs inhabit hedge rows and sunny, dry areas with oaks.[2][3]
Description edit
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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 edit
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 edit
- ^ "Countries where the species don't inhabit". 2.6.2. Fauna Europaea. August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on October 14, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
- ^ a b Nymph colour
- ^ a b c Commanster
- ^ a b c d e f British Bugs
- ^ 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
- ^ Ecology
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