Cercocarpopsallus

Schuh, 2006

Species Guides

Cercocarpopsallus bispinosus

Cercocarpopsallus is a of plant bugs in the Miridae, described by Schuh in 2006. The genus name references Cercocarpus, a genus of mountain mahogany plants (Rosaceae), suggesting a potential association. As a recently described and poorly documented genus, it is known from very few records.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cercocarpopsallus: /ˌsɜːrkoʊˌkɑːrpoʊˈsæləs/

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

Identification

-level identification requires examination of male genitalia and other microscopic characters; the single known can be distinguished from related Psallus-group genera by unique features of the left paramere and vesica structure. External resembles other small, dark Miridae in the tribe Phylini.

Habitat

Associated with montane or submontane where plants in the Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) occur.

Distribution

Known from western North America, with records from the southwestern United States.

Host Associations

Cercocarpus - probable plant name and known collection records suggest association with mountain mahogany (Rosaceae)

Similar Taxa

PsallusSimilar external and small size; Cercocarpopsallus distinguished by genitalic characters and apparent specificity to Cercocarpus rather than the broader host range typical of Psallus
PhylusShares tribe Phylini and general habitus; differs in paramere structure and plant associations

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was erected by Randall T. Schuh in 2006 based on material from Arizona and New Mexico. The single included , Cercocarpopsallus cercocarpi, was transferred from Psallus. The genus exemplifies the ongoing refinement of Miridae through detailed morphological study.

Research needs

Additional field surveys targeting Cercocarpus stands in western North America are needed to clarify distribution, confirm associations, and assess whether additional exist.