Pseudometapterus
Wygodzinsky, 1966
Pseudometapterus is a of thread-legged (: Emesinae) established by Wygodzinsky in 1966. The genus contains at least four described distributed in North America. Most members are or , with reduced or absent , though winged forms have been documented in P. umbrosus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pseudometapterus: //ˌsjuːdoʊˌmiːˈtæptərəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Emesinae by combination of North distribution and reduced development. Winged form of P. umbrosus may be confused with other reduviids but can be identified by genus-specific morphological features described in taxonomic literature.
Appearance
Thread-legged with elongated, slender bodies and extremely long, thin legs characteristic of the Emesinae. are usually or absent; when present, they are extremely small. A winged of P. umbrosus has been recorded from Southern Illinois.
Distribution
North America. Documented from Southern Illinois (winged form of P. umbrosus) and other unspecified locations within the continent.
Life Cycle
stages of P. umbrosus have been described; laboratory rearing methods have been established for this .
Similar Taxa
- Other Emesinae generaShare thread-legged ; distinguished by reduction patterns and geographic distribution
- MetapterusRelated in tribe Metapterini; separation based on established taxonomic characters by Wygodzinsky
More Details
Taxonomic History
established by Wygodzinsky in 1966. Contains four described : P. argentinus (Berg, 1900), P. butleri Wygodzinsky, 1966, P. umbrosus (Blatchley, 1926), and P. wygodzinskyi (Elkins, 1953).
Research Status
of P. umbrosus has been studied in laboratory conditions, but most aspects of the remain poorly documented. iNaturalist records are sparse (4 observations as of source date).