Cymus guatemalanus
Distant, 1893
Cymus guatemalanus is a in the , originally described from Guatemala in 1893. The has been documented in Middle America and Mexico, with a 2012 interception in Philadelphia representing its first recorded occurrence in the United States. It was found in a shipment of cassava and chayotes from Rica. The species has been referred to under the synonym Dalmochrimnus guatemalanus in some agricultural contexts.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cymus guatemalanus: /ˈsaɪməs ˌɡwɑːtəˈmɑːlənəs/
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Identification
As a member of , this possesses the characteristics of small to -sized lygaeoid with a somewhat oval body form. The Cymus can be distinguished from related genera by genitalic and external structural features, though specific diagnostic traits for C. guatemalanus require examination. The synonym Dalmochrimnus guatemalanus has been used in agricultural interception records, potentially causing confusion with other cymid species.
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Distribution
range includes Guatemala and Mexico. Documented in Middle America. Intercepted in Rica (shipment origin). First U.S. interception in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in November 2012.
Diet
Has been observed in association with cassava (Manihot esculenta) and chayote (Sechium edule) shipments.
Host Associations
- Manihot esculenta - found in shipmentcassava
- Sechium edule - found in shipmentchayote
Human Relevance
Subject to agricultural interception by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The 2012 Philadelphia interception triggered mandatory of the infested shipment. Considered a potential pest of agricultural commodities based on interception context.
Similar Taxa
- Cymus speciescongeneric share general body plan and require careful examination for differentiation
Misconceptions
The name Dalmochrimnus guatemalanus has been used in agricultural literature, but this appears to represent Cymus guatemalanus rather than a distinct . The is not established in the United States; the 2012 record represents a single interception event, not a confirmed introduction or establishment.
More Details
Nomenclatural note
The combination Dalmochrimnus guatemalanus appears in U.S. agricultural records from 2012, but taxonomic databases treat this as a synonym of Cymus guatemalanus Distant, 1893. The Dalmochrimnus is not recognized in current .
Interception details
Intercepted November 7, 2012 at the Port of Philadelphia in a maritime shipment from Rica. Specimens submitted to USDA for identification. Shipment fumigated per USDA protocol.