Blissus leucopterus leucopterus

Pronunciation
/BLIS-us loo-COP-ter-us loo-COP-ter-us/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Blissus leucopterus leucopterus

Definition

The nominate of the , a small, economically significant lygaeoid (: Blissidae) that feeds on the sap of grasses, particularly turfgrasses and cereal crops. The trinomen indicates the type subspecies, with the specific and subspecific epithets identical, distinguishing it from the western chinch bug (B. l. hirtus) and other regional forms. are approximately 4 mm long, black-bodied with distinctive white wings marked by a dark triangular corial patch.

Etymology

Latin: Blissus ( name, possibly from Greek 'blissos' meaning a swelling or tumor, perhaps alluding to plant galls or the 's effect on ); leucopterus from Greek 'leukos' (white) + 'pteron' (wing), referring to the pale wings.

Example

In the eastern United States, leucopterus is the primary responsible for damage to St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass lawns, whereas B. l. hirtus predominates in drier western regions.

Synonyms

  • Chinch bug
  • common chinch bug
  • Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say, 1831)

Related Terms

Usage Notes

The trinomen format ( + + ) is mandatory for this rank; binomial usage () refers to the species collectively. The nominate subspecies occupies the type locality range and retains the repetition of the specific epithet. Distinguish from Blissus insularis (), a separate species damaging warm-season grasses in the southeastern coastal plain. Economic literature often uses '' loosely for any Blissus damaging turf; precise identification to subspecies requires examination of male genitalia and wing venation.