Ceratocapsus apicatus
Van Duzee, 1921
Ceratocapsus apicatus is a of plant bug in the Miridae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. It is known from North America, with documented records from California. As a member of the Miridae, it possesses characteristic of true bugs. The species is one of many in the diverse Ceratocapsus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceratocapsus apicatus: //sɛrətoʊˈkæpsəs æˈpaɪkeɪtəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of the Ceratocapsus can be distinguished from similar mirid genera by the presence of a distinct or projection on the pronotum. Ceratocapsus apicatus specifically can be separated from by examination of the male genitalia and subtle differences in coloration and body proportions, though detailed diagnostic features require taxonomic keys. The name "apicatus" refers to a pointed or tipped structure, likely alluding to a distinctive feature.
Images
Distribution
North America; specifically documented from California, USA.
Behavior
Has been observed as a visitor to blacklights, a common among mirid plant bugs.
Similar Taxa
- Orthotylus spp.Other mirid plant bugs frequently encountered at blacklights; Ceratocapsus is distinguished by the pronotal absent in Orthotylus.
- Phytocoris spp.Similar-sized mirids often found in the same ; Phytocoris lacks the distinctive pronotal projection of Ceratocapsus.
- Reuteroscopus ornatusAnother mirid attracted to lights, but readily distinguished by its , distinctive appearance unlike the more subdued Ceratocapsus.
More Details
Taxonomic authority
First described by Edward Payson Van Duzee in 1921, a prominent American entomologist specializing in Hemiptera.
Observation frequency
As of the knowledge cutoff, the has relatively few documented observations on citizen science platforms (52 observations on iNaturalist), suggesting it may be genuinely uncommon or underrecorded.