Melanopleurus is a of seed bugs in the Lygaeidae, established by Stål in 1874. The genus comprises more than 20 described . Members of this genus are true bugs (Hemiptera) in the suborder Heteroptera, placing them within the diverse of lygaeid seed bugs.
Images
Misconceptions
The name 'Melanopleurus' has been used in other taxonomic groups, causing potential confusion. Osteochilus melanopleurus is a freshwater fish (Cyprinidae), and Tropidurus melanopleurus is a tropical lizard species (Tropiduridae). These are unrelated that share only the specific epithet, not the name Melanopleurus.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- The Effect of Temperature on Osteochilus melanopleurus, Bleeker 1852 Yolk Utilization
- Notes on the behavior of Tropidurus melanopleurus Boulenger (Reptilia, Sauria, Iguanidae)
- Sexual Size Dimorphism and Ecology: The Case of a Tropical Lizard, Tropidurus melanopleurus (Sauria: Tropiduridae)