We have periodically checked BugGuide and other resources for leads about the ID of this bug to no avail. Yesterday Beatriz provided that lead with
this fine photo of a strikingly similar creature that she found on Mountain Laurel. Based on the close match of her photo to ours, we are placing it in Miridae.
Features we found to be notable:
Thickened, "hairy" appearence of the second antennal segment.
Very long, slender labrum. I hope I am right about the terminology. I took a short crash course in true bug anatomy today and that's what I came up with. I wonder if it may be used as a tactile sensory organ. Note in one of our images that it is pressed against the surface of the photographic stage.
Incidentally, Mountain Laurel, which is quite rare in this area, was present at the capture site.
More specific placement would be appreciated.
Gayle