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Tarnished plant bug

Tarnished plant bug

Lygus lineolaris

A species of Lygus bugs

The tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) is considered a scourge of commercial crops, as they feed on over half of them. They use sucking mouthparts to absorb the juices off them, leaving them damaged and yellow. In the 1980s, farmers imported parasitic wasps in order to control their population.

General Info About Tarnished plant bug
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Attributes of Tarnished plant bug
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
field; garden; meadow; leaf litter; woodland; park
Adult Food Sources
Flower buds, seeds, fruit, vegetables, grains
Larva Food Source
Flowering plants, alfalfa, cotton, soybeans, wheat
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Tarnished plant bug feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Species Status of Tarnished plant bug
It can be found across North America.
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Distribution Area of Tarnished plant bug
North America, from northern Canada to southern Mexico
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Appearance of Tarnished plant bug
Adults grow up to 7 mm in length, and are brown with accents of yellow, orange or red, with a light-colored "V" on the back (dorsal).
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Life Cycle of Tarnished plant bug
Egg Tiny, usually laid in clusters on the undersides of leaves, the eggs of tarnished plant bug are oval and may be colored to blend with the plant tissues, providing camouflage from predators.
Nymph As tarnished plant bug hatches, it resembles a tiny, wingless version of the adult. Over successive molts, the nymph grows in size, its color and structure gradually changing to prepare for adult functions.
Adult Emerging with a developed exoskeleton, the adult tarnished plant bug displays fully formed wings and reproductive parts. Markings and coloration are distinct, aiding in species identification and mating, with the primary focus on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Tarnished plant bug
6 - 7 mm
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Predators of Tarnished plant bug Larvae
Frogs, toads, spiders, predatory beetles, birds
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Predators of Adult Tarnished plant bug
Spiders, insectivorous birds, rodents, predatory beetles
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Scientific Classification of Tarnished plant bug
Tips for Finding Tarnished plant bug
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How Can You Attract Tarnished plant bug
To attract tarnished plant bug, one could use pheromone traps or plant-based attractants, as tarnished plant bug feed on various plants and sometimes other small insects.
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Habitat Preferences of Tarnished plant bug Through Different Life Stages
Tarnished plant bug eggs are often inserted into plant tissues, typically on the stems or leaves of a host plant. The nymphs, resembling smaller and wingless adults, are usually found on the same types of plants, feeding on buds, fruits, and seeds. Adult tarnished plant bug prefer flowering plants and can be found on a wide array of wild and cultivated vegetation, often in fields, gardens, or meadows where they feed on plant sap and sometimes small insects. To look for tarnished plant bug, one would examine the host plants during the appropriate growth stages in their aforementioned habitats, considering the nymphs' tendency for being more hidden within the undergrowth compared to the more mobile adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Tarnished plant bug
Tarnished plant bug are most active during the warmer months of the year, and are best found during the day when temperatures are moderate and they are most likely to be feeding or mating.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Tarnished plant bug
Tarnished plant bug prefer warm and dry weather, as extreme conditions such as heavy rain or cold temperatures can decrease their activity and make them more difficult to locate.
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How and Where Can You Find Tarnished plant bug at Different Life Stages
Egg Tarnished plant bug eggs are typically laid on host plants and can be hard to see. To find them, examine the undersides of leaves and stems of potential host plants using a magnifying glass.
Nymph Tarnished plant bug nymphs are likely found on or near their food sources. Look for these immature stages by inspecting plants they might feed on, paying close attention to buds, flowers, and fruits where they might cause damage.
Adult Adult tarnished plant bug can be found on a variety of plants where they feed and mate. Using a sweep net to pass through vegetation or examining flowers and crops known to be favored by them during suitable times can help locate adults.
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Harmful Effects of Tarnished plant bug
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Agricultural Pests

Adults and nymphs of tarnished plant bug damage a broad range of crops by feeding on the flowers, fruits, and seeds. This piercing-sucking behavior can cause mild to severe plant deformation, reduced yield, and blemished produce, potentially leading to significant economic losses for farmers. A high population density of tarnished plant bug exacerbates these effects, sometimes leading to crop failure.

More Effects of Tarnished plant bug

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