Aciurina aplopappi
(Coquillett, 1894)
Aciurina aplopappi is a described by Coquillett in 1894. It is placed in the Aciurina, a group of -forming or stem-boring associated with Asteraceae plants. The is known from the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited. Only three observations have been recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aciurina aplopappi: //ˌeɪʃiˈʊrɪnə əˌploʊˈpæpaɪ//
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Identification
Members of Aciurina can be distinguished from other by patterns featuring dark or spots on a background, and by the presence of scutellar . Specific identification of A. aplopappi requires examination of male and female terminalia; the epithet references the Aplopappus (now Haplopappus), suggesting association with that group. Separation from such as A. bigeloviae and A. trixa depends on subtle differences in genitalic structures and host associations.
Distribution
United States. Specific state records are not documented in the provided sources.
Host Associations
- Haplopappus - probable epithet 'aplopappi' indicates historical association with Aplopappus (now Haplopappus), a in Asteraceae. Many Aciurina species are -formers on Asteraceae.
Similar Taxa
- Aciurina bigeloviaeOverlapping geographic range in western United States and similar associations with Asteraceae; distinguished by genitalic and specific host preferences.
- Aciurina trixaCongeneric with similar pattern elements; requires dissection for reliable separation.
- Aciurina thoracicaAnother member of the with comparable size and coloration; differences in scutellar armature and separate the .
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Trypeta aplopappi by Daniel William Coquillett in 1894, later transferred to Aciurina. The basionym reflects early within the broader Trypeta group before modern tribal and generic concepts were established.
Data deficiency
With only three iNaturalist observations and minimal published biological studies, A. aplopappi represents a data-deficient . Most information about its biology must be inferred from better-studied , though such inferences should be treated cautiously.