Broken back bug

> Cotton Insect Pest and Beneficial ID
> Introduction
> Beneficials by common name
> Pests by common name
> Beneficials by scientific name
> Pests by scientific name
> Acknowledgements

Key to Icons:
Can be residents in Australian cotton fields - No or little known damage or effect as a beneficial
These arthropods have beneficial effects in the crop - generally prey on or displace pest species
These arthropods have been known to damage or are associated with damage in cotton. NB some of these species act to suppress other pest species
These exotic pests are not present in Australia but are a threat if introduced
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SUSTAINABLE COTTON LANDSCAPES

1:	Think beyond the crop
2:	Encourage beneficials with diverse, messy vegetation
3:	Do not disturb, conserve your beneficials
4:	Consider birds and bats as beneficials
5:	Control weeds on the farm
6:	Consider water availability

Brokenbacked Bug
Taylorilygus pallidulus (Blanchard)

The Brokenbacked bug, Taylorilygus pallidulus (Blanchard) is not often found in large numbers on cotton. Brokenbacked bugs can be a pest of mung beans and are common on sunflowers.

Identification: The Brokenbacked bug is 4-5mm, light green in colour with brown flecks on the inner wings. The outer wings are predominantly brown. Wing tips are bent down at 45° giving the 'broken-back' appearance. Nymphs have short pale yellow-green antennae.

May be confused with: Similar species are Brown and Green Mirids and the Apple Dimpling bug. However the Brokenbacked bug is smaller than the Green or Brown Mirid and the inner wings have distinct brown flecks. Nymphs have much shorter antennae than those of the Green Mirid.

Damage: Little is known about this insect, but it does not seem to be capable of significant damage.

IMAGE

Broken backed bugs are shorter than green or brown mirids, about 4mm, and have a defined kink in the back. 5mm Photo: P. Room

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