Neuroctenus

Fieber, 1860

flat bugs

Species Guides

6

Neuroctenus is a of flat bugs in the Aradidae, Mezirinae, containing approximately 7 described . Species in this genus are characterized by their strongly flattened bodies adapted for living under bark and in decaying wood. They are mycophagous, feeding on fungal mycelium, and have been documented in East and Southeast Asia including Taiwan, Hainan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Tibet. Several species have been studied through mitochondrial sequencing, revealing close phylogenetic relationships within the genus and placement of Neuroctenus as sister to Mezira within Mezirinae.

Neuroctenus hopkinsi by (c) Zachary Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zachary Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Neuroctenus hopkinsi by (c) Zachary Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zachary Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Neuroctenus pseudonymus by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neuroctenus: /nʊˈrɔktənəs/

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Habitat

Under bark of fallen trees and decaying wood in wet forest environments; arboreal and shrub with decaying fallen wood and dead branch bark. have been observed in crevices of bark where protective coloration provides camouflage.

Distribution

East and Southeast Asia: Taiwan Island (China); southern China including Hainan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Tibet Autonomous Region. Specific collection localities include Dawei Mountain (Pingbian Miao Autonomous County, Yunnan), Yigongbai Village (Dexing Town, Motuo County, Linzhi City, Tibet), and Hainan Province.

Diet

Feeds on fungal mycelium. Documented associations include medicinal fungi Poria cocos and Ganoderma lucidum.

Host Associations

  • Poria cocos - food sourcemedicinal fungus
  • Ganoderma lucidum - food sourcemedicinal fungus

Behavior

Rarely flies; weak migratory capacity. Exhibits gregarious under decaying tree bark. Flat body with protective coloration makes individuals difficult to detect.

Ecological Role

Considered a pest of valuable traditional Chinese medicinal materials due to feeding on medicinal fungi.

Human Relevance

Pest status on economically important medicinal fungi used in traditional Chinese medicine.

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Sources and further reading