Rhopalini
Amyot & Serville, 1843
Genus Guides
3- Brachycarenus
- Liorhyssus(scentless plant bugs)
- Stictopleurus(scentless plant bugs)
Rhopalini is a tribe of scentless plant bugs within the Rhopalidae, containing approximately eight recognized distributed across the Holarctic and other regions. Members of this tribe are characterized by their lack of well-developed , distinguishing them from many other heteropteran groups. The tribe includes economically and ecologically notable genera such as *Rhopalus* and *Corizus*.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhopalini: //roʊˈpælɪnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Rhopalini can be distinguished from other Rhopalidae tribes primarily by the reduction or absence of metathoracic and associated evaporative structures, rendering them effectively 'scentless.' Members generally exhibit an elongate-oval body form with relatively long and legs compared to some related coreoid groups. The scutellum is typically triangular and does not cover the . Within the tribe, may be separated by features of the male genitalia, antennal segment proportions, and pronotal shape.
Images
Distribution
The tribe has a primarily Holarctic distribution, with such as *Rhopalus*, *Corizus*, and *Stictopleurus* widespread across Europe, Asia, and North America. Some genera show more restricted ranges: *Punjentorhopalus* is known from South Asia, *Limacocarenus* from Central Asia, and *Maccevethus* with a broader distribution including Africa and the Oriental region.
Similar Taxa
- MyrmusiniAnother tribe within Rhopalinae; distinguished from Rhopalini by the presence of functional metathoracic with visible .
- AeschrocoriniTribe in Rhopalinae with more robust body form and well-developed apparatus; some members have expanded hind tibiae unlike the generally slender legs of Rhopalini.
- Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs) within Coreoidea often confused with Rhopalidae; Coreidae typically have dilated hind tibiae or and possess functional , whereas Rhopalini lack both features.
More Details
Taxonomic composition
The tribe comprises eight according to BioLib: *Brachycarenus*, *Corizus*, *Limacocarenus*, *Liorhyssus*, *Maccevethus*, *Punjentorhopalus*, *Rhopalus*, and *Stictopleurus*. The genus *Rhopalus* (type genus) and *Corizus* are the most -rich and widely studied.
Phylogenetic placement
Rhopalini is one of three tribes recognized within the Rhopalinae, alongside Myrmusini and Aeschrocorini. The tribe's monophyly is supported by the synapomorphic loss of function, though relationships among constituent remain partially unresolved.