Pithanus maerkelii
(Herrich-Schaeffer, 1838)
Pithanus maerkelii is a in the . It is to Europe and the Palearctic, with an in North America. The feeds on grasses, sedges, and rushes, using to extract fluids from stems and reproductive structures.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pithanus maerkelii: /pɪˈθeɪnəs ˈmɛrkɛli.aɪ/
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Habitat
Found in grassland and wetland supporting Poaceae (grasses), Cyperaceae (sedges), and Juncaceae (rushes). Specific include Agrostis, Festuca, Nardus, Deschampsia, Carex, Scirpus, and Juncus.
Distribution
to Europe and the Palearctic, extending east to European Russia and Ukraine. Absent from most of the Mediterranean basin except the western northern edge. and established in North America (). Documented from Britain, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Azores (Pico, Terceira), and Newfoundland.
Diet
Feeds on Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and Juncaceae. Has been observed sucking fluids from stalk nodes (knots) and from ears/ovules of plants.
Host Associations
- Agrostis - grass
- Festuca - grass
- Nardus - grass
- Deschampsia - grass
- Carex - sedge
- Scirpus - sedge
- Juncus - rush
More Details
Adventive distribution
The has established in North America outside its range, though the timing and mechanism of introduction are not documented in available sources.