The tea mosquito bug belongs to the insect family:

Correct option is C

The tea mosquito bug, primarily Helopeltis spp. (e.g., Helopeltis theivora), is a serious pest of tea and other commercial crops like cashew, cocoa, guava, and cotton. It belongs to the family Miridae, which is a large family of insects commonly known as plant bugs or mirid bugs.
Key Features of the Tea Mosquito Bug (Helopeltis spp.):
· Order: Hemiptera
· Family: Miridae ✅
· Feeding type: Piercing and sucking mouthparts
· Damage symptoms:
· Brownish lesions on young shoots, buds, and tender leaves.
· Scorching or die-back of attacked plant parts.
· Red to brownish circular spots at feeding points (resembling mosquito bites).
· Active in warm and humid climates, especially in tea plantations.
Explanation for Each Option
(a) Pentatomidae ❌
· Known as stink bugs.
· Mostly seed feeders or predators—not associated with tea mosquito bug.
(b) Coreidae ❌
· Known as leaf-footed bugs.
· Characterized by expanded hind legs, and they are not responsible for tea mosquito bug damage.
(c) Miridae ✅
· Correct answer.
· Family to which the tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis spp.) belongs.
· Known for their plant-feeding habits and economic impact on crops.
(d) Tingidae ❌
· Known as lace bugs, which cause stippling or discoloration on leaves but are not related to tea mosquito bug.