Alloeorhynchus trimacula

(Stein, 1857)

damsel bug

Alloeorhynchus trimacula is a predatory damsel bug in the Nabidae. It was the only of its previously recorded from Mexico, with additional new distributional records documented in a 2017 revision. The species has been associated with fig plants (Ficus) and preys on Rhyparochromidae .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Alloeorhynchus trimacula: /ˌæl.iˌoʊ.ɹɪnˈkʌs traɪˈmæk.jʊ.lə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Alloeorhynchus by the combination of three dark spots on the surface (reflected in the specific epithet 'trimacula'), and by male genitalia characteristics including paramere structure. A key to Mexican species is provided in Stål & Weirauch (2017).

Habitat

Associated with fig plants (Ficus), suggesting a connection to fig-growing environments or fig-associated insect .

Distribution

Recorded from Mexico (with new distributional records in Chiapas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and other states) and the United States (Florida).

Diet

of Rhyparochromidae (Lygaeoidea), a of seed bugs.

Host Associations

  • Ficus (figs) - associationBased on Cervantes Peredo 2004; likely related to prey availability
  • Rhyparochromidae (Lygaeoidea) - preyDocumented on this

Ecological Role

in , controlling of Rhyparochromidae seed bugs.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Alloeorhynchus speciesSix new Mexican were described in 2017 (A. aureus, A. bellatulus, A. convolutus, A. epigaeus, A. macer, A. vergrandis), distinguished by coloration patterns and male genitalia; A. trimacula was previously the only known Mexican species

More Details

Taxonomic History

First described by Stein in 1857. Remained the sole Mexican representative of the until 2017, when six new were described and three additional species were newly recorded from Mexico.

Sources and further reading