Tuesday, August 14, 2007

The Unknown Lygus vanduzeei

Lygus vanduzeei, a pretty plant bug, on a White Snake Root inflorescence

I think this mirid is Lygus vanduzeei Knight, 1917. I've keyed out quite a few individuals of this species in my day, although I can't do it now, as a microscope is necessary. You'll have to take this as a provisional identification. The mirid is posing on a White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima (L.)) inflorescence.

Although handsomely-marked, this bug has not been the subject of life history studies. Unlike its much-studied congener, Lygus lineolaris, (the Tarnished Plant Bug), Lygus vanduzeei has never received a common name, and, while widespread, it is not abundant or agriculturally significant enough to warrant much study from entomologists. Like most insects, it goes about its business of eating and making more insects without any human attention.

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