Acalypta

Westwood, 1840

Species Guides

7

Acalypta is a of moss-feeding lace bugs (Tingidae) comprising approximately 47-50 described distributed across the northern hemisphere. Unlike most lace bugs that feed on vascular plants, Acalypta species are specialized on mosses. The genus exhibits wing , with both (fully winged) and brachypterous (short-winged) morphs occurring within species.

Acalypta saundersi by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Acalypta by (c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Acalypta ruhoffae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acalypta: /ˌækəˈlɪptə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other lace bug by its association with moss rather than angiosperm leaves. Wing (presence of both and brachypterous individuals) is common. For -level identification, consult regional keys; ten species are recognized in Japan.

Images

Habitat

Moss-dominated environments including deciduous broad-leaved forest floors, marshlands, and grasslands. show specificity: some inhabit forest floor mosses, others marshland mosses, and some occupy broader grassland habitats.

Distribution

Northern hemisphere including Europe, Asia, and North America. Recorded from Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Rishiri Island), Korea, Mongolia, and across Europe from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean.

Seasonality

have been collected in July in Japan; in other regions adults occur in nearly all seasons. stage is adult or elder nymph in regions outside Japan; overwintering stage unknown for Japanese .

Diet

Feeds on mosses (Bryophyta).

Life Cycle

Wing present: both and brachypterous morphs occur. as or elder nymph reported from some regions.

Behavior

Highly -specific to mosses. Feeds on abaxial (lower) surfaces of moss leaves. Ground-dwelling habit.

Ecological Role

Member of ground-living heteropteran ; specialized moss herbivore.

Similar Taxa

  • DictyonotaClosely related in tribe Acalyptaini; both share tribal characteristics but differ in associations and
  • KalamaClosely related in tribe Acalyptaini
  • DerephysiaClosely related in tribe Acalyptaini
  • RecaredusClosely related in tribe Acalyptaini

Sources and further reading