Merocoris

Perty, 1833

leaf-footed bugs

Species Guides

3

Merocoris is a of leaf-footed bugs in the Coreidae, comprising approximately eight described . Unlike typical leaf-footed bugs that possess flattened, leaf-like hind tibiae, members of this genus exhibit distinctive morphological modifications: notably curved hind tibiae and club-shaped (incrassate) hind . The genus has been documented across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America.

Merocoris curtatus by (c) Elliott Gordon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elliott Gordon. Used under a CC-BY license.Merocoris curtatus by (c) Elliott Gordon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elliott Gordon. Used under a CC-BY license.Merocoris typhaeus by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Merocoris: //mɛˈroʊkɔːrɪs//

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Identification

Merocoris are distinguished from other Coreidae by their lack of the characteristic flattened hind tibiae typical of leaf-footed bugs. Instead, they possess strangely curved hind tibiae combined with club-shaped, thickened hind . They are notably smaller and more compact than most North American leaf-footed bugs, with a chunky body form. The surface is typically mottled gray and brown, providing cryptic coloration, while the surface is thickly covered with white hair.

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Habitat

Grassland , including prairies and sand prairies. One , Merocoris distinctus, has been specifically recorded from shortgrass prairie habitat in Nebraska and grassland habitats in Missouri.

Distribution

Americas: North America (United States including Nebraska, Missouri, Arizona, California, Colorado; Canada: Alberta), Central America ( Rica), and South America (Brazil).

Diet

Herbivorous, feeding on herbaceous plants. Merocoris distinctus has been observed feeding on goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata).

Behavior

(death feigning) has been documented as an anti- defense mechanism in at least one . Gregarious feeding has been observed, with multiple individuals feeding together on plant stems.

Similar Taxa

  • LeptoglossusBoth are Coreidae , but Leptoglossus possesses the characteristic flattened, leaf-like hind tibiae that Merocoris lacks; Leptoglossus are also typically larger
  • HypselonotusBoth are Coreidae with unusual hind leg modifications, but Hypselonotus has different body proportions and coloration patterns; Merocoris is more compact with distinctive club-shaped

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