Psallovius
Henry, 1999
Species Guides
1Psallovius is a of plant bugs in the Miridae, established by Henry in 1999. The genus contains five described distributed in North America. Species were originally described under other genera, primarily by Knight in the 1920s–1930s, and later transferred to Psallovius. The genus is part of the diverse mirid fauna associated with coniferous .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psallovius: //psəˈloʊviəs//
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Identification
in this can be distinguished from related mirids by genitalic characters, particularly male paramere structure. Psallovius dimorphicus and P. nigroantennatus were described together and share distinctive dark antennal coloration. P. flaviclavus and P. rubrofemoratus, both transferred from Phytocoris, exhibit yellowish or reddish femoral markings. P. piceicola is associated with spruce and has corresponding morphological adaptations.
Habitat
Associated with coniferous forests, particularly spruce (Picea) and related gymnosperms. The specific epithet of P. piceicola directly references this association.
Distribution
North America; described from the United States and Canada.
Host Associations
- Picea - P. piceicola specifically associated with spruce
Similar Taxa
- PhytocorisFour of five Psallovius were originally described in Phytocoris; separation based on male genitalic structure and associations
More Details
Taxonomic history
Psallovius was erected by Henry in 1999 to accommodate previously misplaced in Phytocoris and related . The type species is Psallovius piceicola (Knight, 1923), originally described as Capsus piceicola.