Ceratocapsus nigellus
Knight, 1923
Ceratocapsus nigellus is a of plant bug in the Miridae, described by Knight in 1923. It belongs to a diverse of mirid bugs found primarily in North America. The species is documented from the eastern and northeastern United States, including West Virginia. Like other members of the genus Ceratocapsus, it is attracted to lights at night and is considered a typical visitor to blacklight setups used in insect surveys.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceratocapsus nigellus: /ˌsɛrətəˈkæpsəs nɪˈɡɛləs/
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Identification
Ceratocapsus are small mirid plant bugs that can be challenging to distinguish from one another without detailed examination. The specific epithet 'nigellus' (diminutive of 'niger', meaning black) suggests dark coloration, though this alone is insufficient for reliable identification. Accurate determination requires examination of genitalic structures or other microscopic features. Ceratocapsus spp. may be confused with Orthotylus or Phytocoris, but differ in details of the pretarsal claws, male genitalia, and pronotal structure.
Images
Distribution
Eastern United States, northeastern United States, and West Virginia. Records indicate presence in North America generally, with specific documentation from the Appalachian region and surrounding areas.
Behavior
Has been observed as a visitor to blacklight setups, a shared with other members of the Ceratocapsus. This attraction to ultraviolet light is common among mirid bugs and facilitates detection during night surveys.
Similar Taxa
- Orthotylus spp.Similar small mirid plant bugs that also visit lights at night; distinguished by differences in pretarsal claw structure and male genitalia.
- Phytocoris spp.Another of small mirids with overlapping and ; Phytocoris are often gray or brown and may be confused with Ceratocapsus in general appearance.
- Reuteroscopus ornatusA distinctive mirid that co-occurs at blacklight setups; readily distinguished by its appearance and different body proportions.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Harry H. Knight in 1923, a prolific authority on North American Miridae. The epithet 'nigellus' is a Latin diminutive suggesting small or slightly black appearance.
Collection and study
Like many small mirids, C. nigellus is likely undercollected due to its size and the need for microscopic examination for definitive identification. Blacklight surveys remain an effective method for detecting this and related .