Leptopterna

Fieber, 1858

meadow plant bugs

Species Guides

Leptopterna is a of plant bugs in the Miridae comprising at least nine described . The genus includes the well-studied meadow plant , Leptopterna dolabrata, which has been sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project. Species in this genus are grass-feeding insects found primarily in moist meadow across the Palearctic, with some species introduced to North America. in wing development is pronounced: males are fully winged () while females are typically short-winged (brachypterous).

Leptopterna dolabrata by (c) S. Rae, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Leptopterna dolabrata by (c) Ben Sale, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Leptopterna dolabrata by (c) gailhampshire, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Leptopterna: /lɛpˈtɒptərnə/

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

Images

Habitat

Moist conditions; meadows and grassy places. Specific data available for L. dolabrata; broader -level patterns inferred from this and related .

Distribution

Widespread across the Palearctic: UK (south coast of England to Outer Hebrides), throughout Europe with easterly range extending to Kazakhstan and West Siberia. Introduced and established in eastern and western North America. Distribution records also include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont, USA.

Seasonality

In UK of L. dolabrata, overwinter with obligatory ; hatching begins in May; occur from June onwards, most frequently seen in June and July. Seasonality for other in not documented.

Diet

Feeding on range of common grasses including Phleum pratense, Elymus repens, Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, and Holcus lanatus. Diet information documented for L. dolabrata; broader patterns not established.

Host Associations

Phleum pratense - grass , L. dolabrata
Elymus repens - grass , L. dolabrata
Alopecurus pratensis - grass , L. dolabrata
Dactylis glomerata - grass , L. dolabrata
Holcus lanatus - grass , L. dolabrata

Life Cycle

laid in lower part of stems of grasses; eggs overwinter and undergo obligatory . details documented for L. dolabrata; broader patterns not established.

Behavior

Suspected for transmission of silvertop of grasses (causal agent Fusarium poae), though direct transfer remains to be demonstrated. documented for L. dolabrata; broader patterns not established.

Ecological Role

Herbivore feeding on grasses; potential pest of cereal crops including corn (maize), rye and wheat; suspected for silvertop disease of grasses. Ecological role documented for L. dolabrata; broader patterns not established.

Human Relevance

Occasional pest of cereal crops including corn (maize), rye and wheat. Suspected for silvertop of grasses, though direct disease transmission remains to be demonstrated.

Similar Taxa

Leptopterna ferrugataClosely related and co-occurring with L. dolabrata; distinguishable by antennal hair characteristics

More Details

Genomic data

Leptopterna dolabrata sequenced as part of Darwin Tree of Life Project; assembly is 987.9 Mb in 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules (16 + X ), with 18.18 kb mitochondrial genome. chromosome number 2n=34 (32 autosomes + XY). system: XY males (XO system observed in sequenced male).

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced wing dimorphism: males always (long-winged), females mostly brachypterous (short-winged).