Xylastodoris

Barber, 1920

royal palm bug

Species Guides

1

Xylastodoris is a of true bugs in the Thaumastocoridae, containing the single Xylastodoris luteolus. The genus is commonly known as the royal palm bug due to its strict association with the royal palm (Roystonea regia). It was described by Barber in 1920 and is placed in the Xylastodoridinae. The genus represents a highly specialized lineage with an extremely narrow range.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xylastodoris: //zaɪˌlæstəˈdɔːrɪs//

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Identification

The Xylastodoris can be distinguished from other thaumastocorid genera by its placement in the Xylastodoridinae. The single Xylastodoris luteolus is the only member of this genus, making species-level identification within the genus straightforward. For separation from other thaumastocorid genera, reference to subfamily-level morphological characters and association with Roystonea regia is required.

Habitat

Strictly associated with royal palms (Roystonea regia). The has been documented only on this single .

Distribution

Distribution corresponds to that of its plant Roystonea regia, which is native to southern Florida, Cuba, and parts of the Caribbean and Central America. Specific geographic records for the insect itself are limited.

Host Associations

  • Roystonea regia - obligateOnly known ; occurs exclusively on this palm

Human Relevance

Of potential concern to horticulture and conservation of royal palms due to its specialized feeding association. No broader economic significance has been documented.

Similar Taxa

  • ThaumastocorisAlso in Thaumastocoridae, but placed in different (Thaumastocorinae); differs in associations and morphological characters

More Details

Monotypic status

The contains only one described , Xylastodoris luteolus, making it one of the most -restricted genera in the .

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