Megalopsallus ephedrae
(Knight, 1968)
Megalopsallus ephedrae is a small plant bug in the Miridae, Phylinae. Originally described by Knight in 1968 as Merinocapsus ephedrae, it was later transferred to Megalopsallus. The is associated with Ephedra (Mormon tea) in arid regions of western North America. It is one of approximately 20 species in the Megalopsallus, which occurs primarily in western North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megalopsallus ephedrae: /ˌmeɡəˌlɒpˈsæləs ɛˈfiːdriː/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Megalopsallus by its association with Ephedra plants and its distribution in the Mojave Desert and adjacent regions. Megalopsallus species are small, delicate phylines with distinctive male genitalia; specific diagnostic features for M. ephedrae would require examination of the and other genitalic structures. The can be separated from similar phylin genera by the structure of the pretarsus and male genitalia.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions, specifically associated with Ephedra (Mormon tea) plants in desert scrub and sagebrush .
Distribution
Western North America: USA (California, Nevada, Utah) and Mexico (Baja California Norte, Baja California).
Host Associations
- Ephedra - plantAssociated with Mormon tea plants; specific feeding habits not documented
Similar Taxa
- Megalopsallus ellaeCongeneric in the same , distinguished by plant associations and geographic distribution
- Other Megalopsallus speciesApproximately 20 in the , many with overlapping distributions in western North America; identification requires examination of male genitalia