Hesperocimex

List, 1925

Species Guides

1

Hesperocimex is a of bed bugs ( Cimicidae) 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 Ferruginous 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 (type 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 - Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

Behavior

Ectoparasitic lifestyle restricted to bird nests.

Similar Taxa

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

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The belongs to the Hesperocimex complex within Haematosiphoninae, a group of cimicids 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.

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