Cyrtorhinus

Fieber, 1858

Cyrtorhinus is a of predatory plant bugs ( Miridae) containing at least three described . The genus is best known for Cyrtorhinus lividipennis, an important agent in rice agroecosystems that preys on and nymphs of destructive planthoppers and leafhoppers. Members of this genus possess well-developed chemosensory systems that enable them to locate prey using plant volatile cues.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyrtorhinus: /sɪrtoʊˈraɪnəs/

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

Habitat

Rice fields and other agroecosystems where planthoppers and leafhoppers occur.

Diet

Predatory; consumes and nymphs of planthoppers and leafhoppers, including the (Nilaparvata lugens) and green leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens).

Host Associations

Nilaparvata lugens - prey
Nephotettix virescens - preygreen leafhopper

Behavior

Foraging is mediated by rice plant volatiles, including herbivore-induced plant volatiles from planthopper-damaged plants. Has been observed to orient toward volatiles from healthy rice plants and shows stronger attraction to plants damaged by planthopper nymphs and females.

Ecological Role

and agent in rice agroecosystems; contributes to suppression of rice pest .

Human Relevance

Used as a agent to manage rice planthopper and leafhopper . Neonicotinoid have been shown to impair its predatory function through behavioral and biochemical effects.

More Details

Chemosensory biology

Cyrtorhinus lividipennis possesses 18 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 12 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 15 odorant receptors (ORs), 6 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 3 receptors (GRs), and 3 proteins (SNMPs). Sex-biased expression of certain ORs and CSPs suggests differential roles in oviposition site selection (females) and mate searching (males). of the orco gene significantly reduces response to volatiles from infested rice, confirming the importance of olfactory cues in searching.