{"id":5489,"date":"2018-06-21T10:34:32","date_gmt":"2018-06-21T17:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=5489"},"modified":"2018-08-06T14:49:30","modified_gmt":"2018-08-06T21:49:30","slug":"a-seed-bug-ochrimnus-mimulus-stal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=5489","title":{"rendered":"A Seed Bug | Ochrimnus mimulus (Stal)"},"content":{"rendered":"
California Pest Rating for<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em><\/strong>(St\u00e5l): A Seed Bug<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Hemiptera: Lygaeidae<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Pest Rating: A<\/strong><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

\n

PEST RATING PROFILE<\/h3>\n

Initiating Event: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>is currently Q-rated.\u00a0 A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating.<\/p>\n

History & Status: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

Background:<\/u><\/strong> \u00a0<\/em>Adult Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>measure 5-6 mm in length and are grayish or brownish with pale yellow margins on the forewings and the pronotum (Hoffman, 1996).\u00a0 This bug is found on and feeds on flowers of Asteraceae.\u00a0 Baccharis <\/em>species appear to be the preferred host, but feeding and development can take place on other genera as well. \u00a0Eggs are laid in the flowers, and the nymphs feed on these (Gould and Sweet, 2000; Palmer, 1986).\u00a0 Feeding on flowers reduces seed production by the host plant.\u00a0 Experiments have shown that this species will attack numerous genera of Asteraceae.\u00a0 This lack of host specificity made it inappropriate as a biological control organism for the introduced weed Baccharis halimifolia<\/em> in Australia (Gould and Sweet, 2000).<\/p>\n

Worldwide Distribution<\/u><\/strong>:<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0 Ochrimnus mimulus<\/em> occurs in the eastern United States (from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas), Mexico, and Central America (Cancino and Blanco, 2002; Hoffman, 1996; Slater and Baranowski, 1990).<\/p>\n

Official Control:<\/u><\/strong> Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>is not known to be under official control anywhere.<\/p>\n

California Distribution: <\/u><\/strong>\u00a0Ochrimnus mimulus<\/em> is not known to occur in California (Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network).<\/p>\n

California Interceptions:<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0 Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>has been intercepted on rice, oranges, and bee colonies from Texas (CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database, 2018).<\/p>\n

The risk Ochrimnus mimulus wo<\/em>uld pose to California is evaluated below.<\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

1) Climate\/Host Interaction:<\/strong> Ochrimnus mimulus<\/em> is found over a wide area, from Virginia to Mexico, suggesting that this bug has a wide climatic tolerance. Baccharis<\/em>, the preferred host genus of mimulus<\/em>, includes many species that are present in California (Calflora).\u00a0 It appears likely that O. mimulus<\/em> could become established over a large portion of California.\u00a0 Therefore, Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>receives a High (3)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Low (1) Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Medium (2) may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.<\/p>\n

\u2013 High (3) likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2) Known Pest Host Range: <\/strong>Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>appears to be mostly restricted to the Asteraceae, although it feeds on multiple genera within this family. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2)<\/span><\/strong> in this category.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Low (1) has a very limited host range.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Medium (2) has a moderate host range.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 High (3) has a wide host range.<\/p>\n

3) Pest Dispersal Potential:<\/strong> Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>can apparently fly (it is collected at light). Therefore, it receives a Medium (2) in this category.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Low (1) does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Medium (2) has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 High (3) has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.<\/p>\n

4) Economic Impact:<\/strong> Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>is not known to be an economic pest, even though it is found over a wide area.\u00a0 It appears unlikely that it would become an economic pest in California if it became established in this state.\u00a0 <\/em>Therefore, it receives a Low (1)<\/span><\/strong> in this category.<\/p>\n

Economic Impact:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A. The pest could lower crop yield.<\/p>\n

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).<\/p>\n

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).<\/p>\n

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.<\/p>\n

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.<\/p>\n

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.<\/p>\n

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.<\/p>\n

Economic Impact Score: 1<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Low (1) causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Medium (2) causes 2 of these impacts.<\/p>\n

\u2013 High (3) causes 3 or more of these impacts.<\/p>\n

5) Environmental Impact:<\/strong> Ochrimnus mimulus<\/em> has been shown to have broad feeding preferences within the family Asteraceae and it prefers the genus Baccharis<\/em>. Coyote brush, Baccharis pilularis<\/em>, is a dominant shrub of coastal scrub in California.\u00a0 If O.mimulus<\/em> attacked this plant, it could impact species of plants and animals that live in these communities.\u00a0 California also has rare Baccharis<\/em> species, including Baccharis vanessae<\/em> R.M. Beauch (Encinitas baccharis), that could be threatened by O. mimulus <\/em>(Calflora).\u00a0 Therefore, it receives a High (3)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.<\/p>\n

Environmental Impact: A, B<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.<\/p>\n

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.<\/p>\n

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home\/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.<\/p>\n

Environmental Impact Score: 3<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Low (1) causes none of the above to occur.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Medium (2) causes one of the above to occur.<\/p>\n

\u2013 High (3) causes two or more of the above to occur.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction to California for Ochrimnus mimulus<\/em>: Medium (11)<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n

Add up the total score and include it here.<\/p>\n

\u2013Low = 5-8 points<\/p>\n

\u2013Medium = 9-12 points<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013High = 13-15 points<\/p>\n

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information:<\/strong> Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>is not known to occur in California.\u00a0 It receives a Not established (0)<\/span> <\/strong>in this category.<\/p>\n

\u2013Not established (0) Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013Low (-1) Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate\/host area (region).<\/p>\n

\u2013Medium (-2) Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate\/host areas.<\/p>\n

\u2013High (-3) Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate\/host areas.<\/p>\n

Final Score:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

7) The final score is<\/strong> the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (11)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Uncertainty:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Even if O. mimulus<\/em> is capable of becoming established in the state, it is not certain that it would have a significant impact on native plant species.\u00a0 If this insect became established in California, it could possibly attack crop plants in the family Asteraceae, including artichoke, safflower, and tarragon, although it is not known how much economic damage (if any) would result.<\/p>\n

Conclusion and Rating Justification:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Ochrimnus mimulus <\/em>is a flower-feeding insect that is not known to be present in California.\u00a0 It poses a threat to native California plants, including rare species.\u00a0 For these reasons, an \u201cA<\/strong>\u201d rating is justified.<\/p>\n

References: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

Calflora.\u00a0 2018. \u00a0Information on California plants for education, research and conservation, with data contributed by public and private institutions and individuals, including the Consortium of California Herbaria.\u00a0 Accessed April 3, 2018: http:\/\/www.calflora.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Cancino, E. R. and Blanco, J. M. C.\u00a0 2002.\u00a0 Artr\u00f3podos terrestres de los estados de Tamaulipas y Nuevo Le\u00f3n, M\u00e9xico.\u00a0 Universidad Aut\u00f3noma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, M\u00e9xico.<\/p>\n

CDFA Pest and Damage Report Database. 2018. Ochrimnus mimulus<\/em>. Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services. CA Department of Food and Agriculture. Accessed April 9, 2018:\u00a0 http:\/\/phpps.cdfa.ca.gov\/user\/frmLogon2.asp<\/a><\/p>\n

Gould, G. G. and Sweet, M. H.\u00a0 2000.\u00a0 The host range and oviposition behavior of Ochrimnus mimulus<\/em> (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in central Texas.\u00a0 The Southwestern Naturalist 45:15-53.<\/p>\n

Hoffman, R. L.\u00a0 1996.\u00a0 The Insects of Virginia.\u00a0 Number 14: Seed Bugs of Virginia.\u00a0 Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville, Virginia.<\/p>\n

Palmer, W. A.\u00a0 1986.\u00a0 Host specificity of Ochrimnus mimulus<\/em> (St\u00e5l) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) with notes in its phenology.\u00a0 Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 88:451-454.<\/p>\n

Slater, J. A. and Baranowski, R. M.\u00a0 1990.\u00a0 Arthropods of Florida and Neighboring Land Areas.\u00a0 Volume 14: Lygaeidae of Florida (Hemiptera: Heteroptera).\u00a0 Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, Florida.<\/p>\n

Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network.\u00a0 Accessed April 3, 2018: http:\/\/scan1.acis.ufl.edu<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
Author:<\/h5>\n

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741; plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.<\/p>\n

Responsible Party:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Jason Leathers, 2800 Gateway Oaks, Sacramento CA 95833, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov<\/p>\n

\n
Comment Period:* CLOSED<\/span><\/h5>\n

6\/21\/18 \u2013 8\/5\/18<\/p>\n

\n
*NOTE:<\/span><\/h5>\n

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. \u00a0If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at\u00a0plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.<\/p>\n

\n
Comment Format:<\/h5>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s)\u00a0being commented on, as shown below.<\/p>\n

Example Comment:
\n<\/strong>Consequences of Introduction: \u00a01. Climate\/Host Interaction:\u00a0[Your comment that relates to \u201cClimate\/Host Interaction\u201d here.<\/em>]<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments may not be posted if they:<\/p>\n

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to\u00a0the pest rating proposal;<\/p>\n

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic,\u00a0sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal\u00a0material;<\/p>\n

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms\u00a0of discrimination;<\/p>\n

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the\u00a0website to be viewed, not just submitted.<\/p>\n

\n

Pest Rating: A<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Posted by ls\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

California Pest Rating for Ochrimnus mimulus (St\u00e5l): A Seed Bug Hemiptera: Lygaeidae Pest Rating: A   PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: Ochrimnus mimulus is currently Q-rated.\u00a0 A permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official pest rating. History & Status: Background: \u00a0Adult Ochrimnus mimulus measure 5-6 mm in length and are grayish or … Continue reading A Seed Bug | Ochrimnus mimulus (Stal)<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":325,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[669,18,5],"tags":[675],"class_list":["post-5489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-a-rated","category-hemiptera","category-entomology","tag-a-rated-pest"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5l8vQ-1qx","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6132,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=6132","url_meta":{"origin":5489,"position":0},"title":"Cotton Seed Bug | Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa)","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"June 4, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Profile for Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa): Cotton Seed BugHemiptera: Oxycarenidae Pest Rating A DOWNLOAD PEST RATING profile Author\/Responsible Party: Kyle Beucke, 2800 Gateway Oaks Dr, Sacramento, CA, 95833, 916-403-6741, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov Updated by ls","rel":"","context":"In "A-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"A-Rated","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=669"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14526,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=14526","url_meta":{"origin":5489,"position":1},"title":"Arocatus melanocephalus (Fabricius): elm seed bug","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"April 15, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Proposal for Arocatus melanocephalus (Fabricius): elm seed bug Current Pest Rating: Q Proposed Pest Rating: C Comment Period:\u00a004\/15\/2026 through 05\/30\/2026 Download Pest Rating Proposal *NOTE You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "C-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"C-Rated","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=671"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14212,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=14212","url_meta":{"origin":5489,"position":2},"title":"Kallitaxila granulata (St\u00e5l): A planthopper","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"October 22, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Profile for Kallitaxila granulata (St\u00e5l): A planthopper Pest Rating: B Comment Period:\u00a010\/22\/2025 \u2013 12\/06\/2025 Download Pest Rating Profile *NOTE You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov. Posted\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "B-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"B-Rated","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=670"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1954,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=1954","url_meta":{"origin":5489,"position":3},"title":"Insects, Mites & Earthworms","author":"Admin","date":"May 13, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Insects and mites are related in that their skeletons are on the outside (Phyllum: Arthropoda), but differ in that adult insects have six legs and adult mites have eight.\u00a0 Both groups can be beneficial, neutral or destructive to their environment.\u00a0 Like nematodes, they can cause yearly losses in the billions\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ratings"","block_context":{"text":"Ratings","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=333"},"img":{"alt_text":"Insects and Mites Banner","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/insects-and-mites-featured-image.jpg?fit=1038%2C588&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/insects-and-mites-featured-image.jpg?fit=1038%2C588&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/insects-and-mites-featured-image.jpg?fit=1038%2C588&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/insects-and-mites-featured-image.jpg?fit=1038%2C588&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9636,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=9636","url_meta":{"origin":5489,"position":4},"title":"Remaudiereana nigriceps (Dallas): a bug","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"February 25, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating for Remaudiereana nigriceps (Dallas): a bugPest Rating: A download pest rating *NOTE You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov. Posted by tn","rel":"","context":"In "A-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"A-Rated","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=669"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12687,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=12687","url_meta":{"origin":5489,"position":5},"title":"Brachynotocoris puncticornis Reuter: a bug","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"June 4, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Profile for Brachynotocoris puncticornis Reuter: a bugPest Rating: C download pest rating profile *NOTE You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov. 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