Chinese Black Mirid (Tytthus chinensis)

The Tiny Silent Predator That Targets Planthopper Eggs

Among the smallest and most overlooked allies in rice fields is the Chinese Black Mirid (Tytthus chinensis), a stealthy predatory insect known for feeding on the eggs of brown planthoppers and leafhoppers. Though tiny in size, it plays a crucial role in naturally reducing pest populations—without the need for chemical intervention.

Basic Information

• Common Name: Chinese Black Mirid
• Scientific Name:Tytthus chinensis
• Family: Miridae
• Order: Hemiptera

Morphology & Biology

• Similar in shape to Cyrtorhinus lividipennis (green mirid bug), but darker
• Elongated, oval-shaped body; light brown in color
• Head and thorax are black with brown markings on the dorsal side
• Legs are yellow; hind legs adapted for jumping

• Forewings: Hemelytra
• Hindwings: Thin and membranous

Life Cycle (Incomplete Metamorphosis)

• Incubation period: 4–7 days

• Multiple molts over ~14 days

• Lifespan: 10–20 days

Complete life cycle: ~2–3 weeks

Diet & Predatory Behavior

Main Food Sources:

• Eggs of brown planthoppers
• Eggs of leafhoppers

Predation Behavior:

• Uses piercing mouthparts to extract fluid from pest eggs
• Prevents eggs from hatching
• Effectively disrupts pest reproduction cycles

Geographic Distribution

Chinese Black Mirids are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, including:

• China
• Southeast Asia (especially Thailand)
• South America
• Australia

Supporting Biological Control with Tytthus chinensis

To preserve and promote this beneficial predator, pest control methods must minimize harm to mirid populations:

✅ Targeted Egg Removal

• Focus pest egg removal only in severely infested areas
• Helps maintain ecological balance in rice fields

✅ Use Insecticides With Caution

• Permethrin: 10 mL / 20 L water
• Lambda-cyhalothrin: 7 mL / 20 L water
• Cyfluthrin: 4 mL / 20 L water
• Deltamethrin: 10 mL / 20 L water
• Cypermethrin: 10 mL / 20 L water

Always consult an agricultural advisor to avoid harming beneficial predators.

✅ Post-Harvest Field Management

• Remove crop residues and surrounding weeds
• Eliminates hiding spots for planthoppers and pest vectors

✅ Conclusion

Despite its small size, the Chinese Black Mirid (Tytthus chinensis) offers immense ecological value in rice cultivation. As a natural predator of planthopper eggs, it silently defends crops and reduces the need for chemical control. Promoting and conserving such beneficial insects is key to achieving sustainable pest management and long-term agricultural resilience.