Macropsini

Evans, 1936

Macropsini is a tribe of in the , currently placed within the Eurymelinae. Formerly treated as a subfamily (Macropsinae), this group has been reclassified based on phylogenetic studies. The tribe contains at least 18 distributed across multiple continents, with notable diversity in North America, Eurasia, and Australia. in this tribe exhibit considerable morphological variation and include some that are associated with specific plants.

Macropsis basalis by (c) Henrique Pacheco, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Henrique Pacheco. Used under a CC-BY license.

Macropsis ocellata by (c) Quinten Wiegersma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinten Wiegersma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pediopsoides by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macropsini: /ˌmækrəpˈsaɪni/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Macropsini can be distinguished from other Eurymelinae tribes by combinations of genitalic and characters, though specific diagnostic features vary by . Members of the tribe typically exhibit the enlarged hind characteristic of . Detailed identification requires examination of male ; to genera and are available for regional faunas including North America and Kazakhstan.

Images

Habitat

vary by and region. of Macropsidius have been documented from mountain landscapes in Kazakhstan, including the Syrdaryinskiy Karatau Range. North species occupy diverse environments from southern California and Arizona through the Pacific Northwest, northeastern forests, and Canadian prairies. Australian representatives occur in varied terrestrial habitats.

Distribution

Widespread across multiple continents. Documented from North America (Mexico, United States, Canada), Eurasia (Kazakhstan, China, Russia, Europe), Australia, Malaysia, and Chile. The Stenopsoides is to Australia. The genus Pedionis has been recorded from Malaysia. Neopsini, a related tribe, is exclusively Neotropical.

Behavior

Male Macropsidius produce species-specific calling signals () used in mate location and recognition. The Stenopsoides has been discussed as potentially exhibiting parthenogenetic , though this remains unconfirmed.

Human Relevance

Some serve as subjects for studies of mitochondrial evolution and phylogenetic relationships within . The tribe has been the of extensive taxonomic revision due to its systematic complexity.

Similar Taxa

NeopsiniFormerly grouped with Macropsini; distinguished by being exclusively Neotropical with two (Neopsis and Nollia) versus the broader geographic distribution and greater generic diversity of Macropsini.
Other Eurymelinae tribesMacropsini is distinguished within Eurymelinae by specific combinations of morphological characters; historically treated as Macropsinae before reclassification.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Macropsini was formerly treated as the Macropsinae but has been reclassified as a tribe within Eurymelinae based on phylogenetic analyses. This reclassification reflects improved understanding of relationships within .

Research Significance

The tribe has been extensively studied for its mitochondrial structure and usage patterns. Studies have examined from China, Kazakhstan, and other regions to understand phylogenetic relationships within the group.

Notable Genera

Macropsis (55 in New World), Oncopsis (36 species in New World), and Pediopsoides are particularly species-rich in certain regions. The Macropsidius has been studied for its and evolutionary biology in Kazakhstan.