Scolopocerus
Uhler, 1875
Species Guides
3Scolopocerus is a of leaf-footed bugs in the Coreidae, established by Uhler in 1875. The genus contains four described distributed primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Members of this genus are characterized by the expanded, leaf-like hind tibiae typical of many Coreidae. The genus is placed in the tribe Hypselonotini within the Coreinae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scolopocerus: //skəˌloʊpoʊˈsɪərəs//
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Identification
Members of Scolopocerus can be distinguished from other Coreidae by features of the male genitalia and the structure of the hind legs. The genus is characterized by having the hind tibia expanded and flattened, though the specific shape differs among . S. uhleri and S. secundarius are similar in distribution and may require examination of the male parameres for definitive identification. The genus lacks the strongly foliaceous hind seen in some related genera such as Leptoglossus.
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Habitat
of Scolopocerus have been recorded from arid and semi-arid regions including desert scrub, grasslands, and riparian areas. Observations span elevations from lowland deserts to montane areas. Specific microhabitat associations vary by species and remain incompletely documented.
Distribution
The occurs in the southwestern United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico. Individual show varying ranges, with S. uhleri and S. secundarius having broader distributions and S. neopacificus and S. granulosus more restricted.
Similar Taxa
- LeptoglossusLeptoglossus share the leaf-footed bug but possess more dramatically expanded, broadly foliaceous hind tibiae and ; Scolopocerus has less expanded hind legs and different male genitalic structure.
- NarniaNarnia occur in similar regions and share Coreidae features, but differ in body proportions and the structure of the antennal segments; Scolopocerus has a more elongate body form.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The was established by Uhler in 1875 with S. secundarius as the type . The authorship is sometimes cited incorrectly in literature; the correct authority is Uhler, 1875, not 1876 as occasionally appears.
Species Diversity
Four are currently recognized: S. granulosus (Barber, 1914), S. neopacificus (Brailovsky, 1989), S. secundarius (Uhler, 1875), and S. uhleri (Distant, 1881). The has not been subject to comprehensive modern revision.