Melacoryphus

Slater, 1988

Species Guides

Melacoryphus admirabilis(Admirable Seed Bug)
Melacoryphus circumlitus
Melacoryphus facetus
Melacoryphus lateralis(Charcoal Seed Bug)
Melacoryphus nigrinervis(Black-veined Seed Bug)
Melacoryphus rubicollis
Melacoryphus rubrolimbatus

Melacoryphus is a of seed bugs in the Lygaeidae, established by Slater in 1988. The genus comprises approximately 11 described distributed in Central and North America. Species within this genus are small to medium-sized true bugs with seed-feeding habits typical of the family. The genus was erected to accommodate species previously placed elsewhere, with Melacoryphus lateralis serving as the type species.

Melacoryphus rubrolimbatus by (c) Jeremiah Degenhardt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jeremiah Degenhardt. Used under a CC-BY license.

Melacoryphus nigrinervis by (c) Andrew Meeds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC-BY license.

Melacoryphus rubicollis by (c) Andrew Meeds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melacoryphus: /mɛlækoʊrɪfʌs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Melacoryphus can be distinguished from other Lygaeidae by subtle structural characters rather than coloration alone. Examination of genitalia and wing venation patterns is typically required for definitive identification to species. The genus is superficially similar to other genera such as Jadera and Boisea, but differs in specific morphological details of the , pronotum, and male genital structures.

Images

Distribution

Central America and North America.

Similar Taxa

JaderaBoth are seed-feeding true bugs with similar body plans and coloration; Jadera such as J. haematoloma (Red-shouldered Bug) are frequently mistaken for Melacoryphus species in the field. Structural characters of the and pronotum separate the .
BoiseaBoxelder bugs in this share similar size, coloration, and seed-feeding with Melacoryphus; both are sometimes referred to as 'soapberry bugs' though this term more properly applies to Rhopalidae. Boisea have distinct pronotal and wing markings that differ from Melacoryphus.