Ischnodemus rufipes

Van Duzee, 1909

Ischnodemus rufipes is a blissid (Hemiptera: Blissidae) that exploits two primary sedges in wetland : the Cyperus erythrorhizos in ephemeral mudflats and unpredictable wetland , and the Scirpus cyperinus in more persistent wetlands. The is on S. cyperinus but may complete only one on annual sedges. overwinter beginning as early as September on host sedges, nonhost sedges, and other graminoids.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ischnodemus rufipes: /ˌɪsknoʊˈdiːməs ˈruːfɪˌpiːz/

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Habitat

Ephemeral mudflats on exposed shorelines, unpredictable wetland , and more permanent wetlands. Exploits short (floriferous) growth form of C. erythrorhizos in ephemeral and taller C. erythrorhizos plants in permanent wetlands; maintains mainly on S. cyperinus in persistent habitats.

Distribution

Blue Ridge ecoregion of Georgia and North Carolina; coastal plain and piedmont of Georgia and South Carolina; piedmont of South Carolina (Clemson, Hartwell Lake). New state records: Arkansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. Previously recorded in Florida. Also present in Cuba.

Seasonality

on Scirpus cyperinus: mating pair observed mid-May, early instars late May, first- by mid-July, early instars of second generation (and mating pair) mid-August. Late instars found sparingly on woolly sedge in late fall and early winter probably attain adulthood or die during winter; only adults observed after January. Only one generation may be possible on sedges of inconstant occurrence.

Host Associations

  • Cyperus erythrorhizos (redroot flatsedge) - primary sedge in ephemeral mudflats and unpredictable wetland
  • Cyperus odoratus -
  • Scirpus cyperinus (woolly sedge, woolgrass) - primary sedge in more persistent wetlands; main maintenance
  • nonhost sedges - site overwinter on nonhost sedges beginning as early as September
  • other graminoids - site overwinter on other graminoids beginning as early as September

Life Cycle

on Scirpus cyperinus: mating pair observed mid-May, early instars late May, first- by mid-July, early instars of second generation (and mating pair) mid-August. Late instars found sparingly on woolly sedge in late fall and early winter probably attain adulthood or die during winter; only adults observed after January. Only one generation may be possible on sedges of inconstant occurrence.

Behavior

overwinter not only on sedges (mainly S. cyperinus) but also on nonhost sedges and other graminoids, beginning as early as September. Exploits short floriferous growth form of C. erythrorhizos in unpredictable ephemeral mudflats while maintaining mainly on S. cyperinus in persistent .

More Details

Reproduction

Mating pairs observed on S. cyperinus in mid-May and mid-August; early instars observed in late May and mid-August.

Host plant specificity

The demonstrates flexible use, exploiting ephemeral sedges when available but maintaining persistent on sedges. This dual strategy allows population persistence across variable wetland conditions.

Sources and further reading