| Harpocera thoracica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Harpocera thoracica, male | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Family: | Miridae |
| Genus: | Harpocera |
| Species: | H. thoracica |
| Binomial name | |
| Harpocera thoracica (Fallén, 1807) | |
Harpocera thoracica is a species of bug from Miridae family.
This rather common species could be found anywhere in Europe except for the Baltic states, Canary Islands, Finland, Iceland, Malta, and Russia. [1]
These bugs inhabit hedge rows and sunny, dry areas with oaks. [2] [3]
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]
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]
