Megalopsallus teretis
Schuh, 2000
Megalopsallus teretis is a of plant bug in the Miridae, described by Schuh in 2000. It belongs to the Phylinae, a group commonly known as leaf bugs or plant bugs that feed on plant sap. The species is known from arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Megalopsallus teretis: /mɛˌɡæloʊpˈsæləs tɛˈriːtɪs/
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Identification
Megalopsallus teretis can be distinguished from other Megalopsallus by its cylindrical body form (reflected in the specific epithet 'teretis,' meaning cylindrical or rounded). Identification requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with the type series. The Megalopsallus was revised by Schuh in 2000, who described eight new species from western North America and provided diagnostic characters separating them from related genera.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, including desert and scrubland environments.
Distribution
Known from Mexico (Zacatecas) and the United States (Nevada, Utah).
Similar Taxa
- Megalopsallus ellae Schuh & SchwartzSimilar congeneric from western North America, distinguished by differences in male genitalia and body proportions; described in the same revision of the .
More Details
Taxonomic History
The Megalopsallus was established by Knight and revised comprehensively by Schuh in 2000. The revision included descriptions of eight new and redefined the genus to include only western Nearctic species, transferring other species to different genera.