Micrelytrini
Stål, 1868
Genus Guides
4Micrelytrini is a tribe of true bugs within the Micrelytrinae ( Alydidae), established by Stål in 1868. The tribe comprises at least 13 in the New World, with additional genera recorded from Europe and Asia. Recent taxonomic work has revised New World generic boundaries, establishing new genera to accommodate previously misclassified . Members of this tribe are part of the broad-headed bug family Alydidae, characterized by their distinctive .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Micrelytrini: /mɪˌkrɛlɪˈtraɪnaɪ/
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Identification
The tribe Micrelytrini can be distinguished within Alydidae by features of the Micrelytrinae, though specific tribal-level diagnostic characters require examination of genitalic . An illustrated identification key to the 13 New World is available, utilizing and lateral habitus photographs, and lateral views, and paramere structure. Generic-level identification relies on male genitalia, particularly paramere shape and structure.
Images
Distribution
Neotropical Region, with records from North, Central, and South America. New distributional records include southwestern Texas (Esperanza texana) and extended ranges for other . The tribe also occurs in Europe and Asia outside the New World. One new species, Nepiomistus eximius, has been described from Ecuador.
Similar Taxa
- AlydiniAnother tribe within Alydidae; Micrelytrini is distinguished by -level characters placing it in Micrelytrinae rather than Alydinae
- Micrelytrinae (other tribes)Micrelytrini is one of the constituent tribes of Micrelytrinae; other tribes in this subfamily may be distinguished by generic composition and geographic distribution
More Details
Taxonomic History
The tribe was established by Stål in 1868. Recent revisionary work (2019) has clarified generic boundaries in the New World, establishing Protenoroides to accommodate a previously placed in Protenor tropicalis, and describing the new Nepiomistus.
Research Gaps
Biological data including preferences, feeding habits, associations, and remain largely unstudied for most Micrelytrini. Available literature focuses primarily on morphological and distribution.