Mozena
Amyot & Serville, 1843
leaf-footed bugs
Species Guides
6- Mozena arizonensis
- Mozena buenoi
- Mozena pallisteri
- Mozena lunata(leaf-footed bug)
- Mozena obesa
- Mozena obtusa(leaf-footed bug)
Mozena is a of leaf-footed bugs in the Coreidae, containing more than 30 described . The genus was established by Amyot & Serville in 1843 and is placed in the tribe Nematopodini. Some species, such as M. obtusa, have been investigated as potential biocontrol agents for Prosopis (mesquite) species. Members of this genus are found primarily in the Americas, with records from the southwestern United States through Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mozena: /moʊˈzeɪnə/
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Images
Habitat
Associated with woody leguminous plants, particularly Prosopis (mesquite). Species have been observed on Vachellia constricta (white-thorn acacia) and related plants in desert scrub and arid woodland environments.
Distribution
Recorded from the southwestern United States (Arizona, California), Florida, Mexico, and more broadly in the southern United States and southern South America. The native range of individual varies; M. obtusa has been evaluated for introduction to Australia as a biocontrol agent.
Diet
Feeding on Prosopis (mesquite) and related woody legumes. M. obtusa is known to feed on Prosopis species.
Host Associations
- Prosopis glandulosa - mesquite
- Prosopis species - general for M. obtusa
- Vachellia constricta - white-thorn acacia; observed for M. arizonensis
Ecological Role
Potential biocontrol agent for Prosopis in Australia. As a herbivore of woody legumes, species in this may influence plant in their native range.
Human Relevance
Investigated for of mesquite (Prosopis) in Australia. -specificity testing has been conducted to evaluate safety for non-target plants.
Similar Taxa
- Other Coreidae generaLeaf-footed bugs share general body plan; Mozena distinguished by tribal placement in Nematopodini and specific associations with Prosopis and related legumes.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was described by Amyot & Serville in 1843 and currently contains at least 31 described according to recent sources.
Biocontrol research
M. obtusa has been the subject of -specificity studies to assess its suitability as a agent for Prosopis , though the full results of these studies are not detailed in available sources.