Corythaica

Stål, 1873

eggplant tingids, lace bugs

Species Guides

Corythaica is a of lace bugs ( Tingidae) commonly referred to as eggplant tingids. The genus contains more than 20 described distributed in the Neotropical region. Species in this genus are predominantly feeders on plants in the family Solanaceae, with several species recognized as economically important agricultural pests.

Corythaica constricta by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Corythaica: //kɔːrɪˈθaɪkə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other tingid by association with Solanaceae plants and specific morphological features of the pronotum and hemelytral reticulation. -level identification requires examination of detailed structural characters and comparison with published descriptions and illustrations. Corythaica cyathicollis has been described with line drawings of all life stages for reference.

Images

Appearance

possess the characteristic reticulated, lace-like typical of the Tingidae, with intricate cellular patterns formed by raised chitinous ridges. Nymphs exhibit needle-like setae (bristles) that project from the body surface. Late-instar nymphs and adults are found together in on plant foliage.

Habitat

Vegetation of solanaceous plants in both natural and agricultural settings. Observed on upper leaf surfaces of plants. Associated with weedy and spontaneous Solanaceae in agricultural landscapes.

Distribution

Neotropical region. Recorded from Argentina, Brazil, and other South American countries. Corythaica bellula has been recorded from the Nebraska Sandhills in North America.

Diet

Phytophagous; feeders on Solanaceae. Documented feeding on Solanum including eggplant (S. melongena), gilo (S. aethiopicum), and various wild Solanum species.

Host Associations

Solanum melongena - eggplant/berinjela; commercial crop
Solanum aethiopicum - gilo group; commercial crop
Solanum paniculatum - jurubeba; spontaneous plant
Solanum viarum - joá/tropical soda apple; spontaneous plant
Solanum granuloso-leprosum - arborescent solanaceous shrub
Dichanthelium oligosanthes subsp. scribnerianum - Scribner's Panicgrass; recorded for C. bellula in Nebraska

Life Cycle

Development includes , nymphal, and stages. Nymphs progress through multiple instars with late-instar nymphs found in with adults. adults observed within aggregations, presumably having recently molted from final nymphal instars.

Behavior

Forms consisting of large numbers of and nymphs on single plants. Adults and nymphs occur together on foliage. Feeding occurs on leaf surfaces, producing characteristic white stippling visible on leaves.

Ecological Role

Herbivore on Solanaceae; several are agricultural pests causing economic damage to solanaceous vegetable crops. Association with spontaneous/weedy Solanaceae may facilitate dissemination to cultivated areas.

Human Relevance

Agricultural pest status: Corythaica cyathicollis and C. passiflorae are documented pests on eggplant, gilo, and other solanaceous crops. High cause leaf damage, reduced yield, and plant mortality. First occurrence of C. passiflorae in commercial plantations recorded in Tocantins, Brazil in 2017.

Similar Taxa

GargaphiaBoth are lace bug with reticulated wings, but Gargaphia feed on different plants (e.g., Ricinus communis, Passiflora) and occupy lower leaf surfaces rather than upper surfaces.

More Details

Economic Importance

Corythaica cyathicollis has been described as a pest on many solanaceous crops in the Neotropics. A 2017 study documented the first occurrence of C. passiflorae in commercial plantations of gilo and eggplant in Tocantins state, Brazil, with high levels causing significant economic losses.

Nymphal Defenses

Nymphs possess needle-like setae that likely serve protective functions. of nymphs and on plants appear relatively free of and , suggesting the presence of multiple defense mechanisms including possible maternal care, , or noxious compound secretion as observed in other Tingidae.