Pinalitus

Kelton, 1955

Species Guides

Pinalitus is a of plant bugs in the Miridae, established by Kelton in 1955. The genus contains approximately six described . At least one species, Pinalitus atomarius, is known to be phytophagous and associated with conifers, particularly silver fir (Abies alba).

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pinalitus: /pɪˈnalɪtəs/

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

Habitat

Coniferous ; at least one (P. atomarius) has been observed on silver fir (Abies alba) planted for ornamental purposes in city parks and suburban areas.

Distribution

Recorded from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden; P. atomarius specifically documented from the Stockholm area of Sweden as a recent northward expansion.

Diet

Phytophagous (herbivorous); at least P. atomarius feeds on conifers.

Host Associations

Abies alba - primary -plantFor P. atomarius; recognized as primary in Swedish study

More Details

Taxonomic history

Pinalitus atomarius was previously listed erroneously in the World catalogue of Miridae by Schuh (1995) as occurring in Sweden before its actual confirmed detection in the 1990s.

Range expansion

P. atomarius represents part of a documented northward expansion pattern of southern arboreal Miridae into Western Europe, noted in multiple countries.