Macrolophus pygmaeus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae. It is found in Europe except the high north, south to north Africa and east to Asia Minor then to Central Asia. This species is omnivorous, preying on Tuta absoluta eggs and larvae, Ephestia kuehniella eggs, Macrosiphum euphorbiae nymphs, and plants such as Vicia fava. When feeding on plants, M. pygmaeus consumes extrafloral nectar. Its varied diet has created interest in M. pygmaeus as a pest control insect for the prior mentioned species.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Macrolophus pygmaeus being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Malacocoris chlorizans
- Engytatus nicotianae
- Paraproba hamata
- Nesidiocoris tenuis
- Brachynotocoris puncticornis
- Blepharidopterus angulatus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Miridae
- Genus
- Macrolophus
- Species
- Macrolophus pygmaeus
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