Hesperocimex

List, 1925

Hesperocimex is a of ( ) containing at least two described : H. coloradensis and H. sonorensis. Members of this genus are of birds, specifically associated with nest-dwelling species. H. sonorensis has been documented parasitizing purple martins, woodpeckers, swallows, and Pygmy-Owls.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hesperocimex: //ˌhespəroʊˈsaɪmɛks//

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Habitat

Bird nests, particularly those of cavity-nesting and colonial including woodpeckers (Picidae), swallows (Hirundinidae), and purple martins.

Distribution

North America including Colorado ( locality for H. coloradensis), Sonora in Mexico (type locality for H. sonorensis), and Arizona.

Diet

Blood of avian .

Host Associations

Progne subis - purple martin
Picidae - woodpeckers
Hirundinidae - swallows
Glaucidium brasilianum - Pygmy-Owl

Behavior

Ectoparasitic lifestyle restricted to bird nests.

Similar Taxa

Cimex that includes human-associated ; Hesperocimex is specialized on birds.
HaematosiphonAnother in the same Haematosiphoninae with avian associations.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The belongs to the Hesperocimex complex within Haematosiphoninae, a group of specialized on avian .

Host Range Expansion

H. sonorensis was originally described from purple martins but has been subsequently recorded from woodpeckers, swallows, and owls, indicating broader plasticity than initially documented.