Neortholomus jamaicensis
(Dallas, 1852)
Neortholomus jamaicensis is a in the Lygaeidae, distributed across the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of North America. The was described by Dallas in 1852 and is the type species of the Neortholomus. Records indicate presence in diverse tropical and subtropical including the West Indies, Central America, and northern South America, with isolated records from Oceania (Tahiti).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neortholomus jamaicensis: //niːˌɔrθəˈloʊməs ˌdʒæməˈsɛnsɪs//
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Identification
Members of the Neortholomus are distinguished from related orsilline genera by features of the male genitalia and forewing venation. N. jamaicensis can be separated from by geographic distribution and subtle differences in coloration and body proportions, though specific diagnostic characters require examination of voucher specimens.
Habitat
Found in tropical and subtropical environments including coastal areas, hammocks, and disturbed . Specific microhabitat associations are poorly documented, though are often associated with herbaceous vegetation and seed-bearing plants.
Distribution
Widespread in the Caribbean region (Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Dominica, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, Trinidad); Central America ( Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Mexico); South America (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina); and recorded from Tahiti in Oceania. In the United States, present in Florida.
Diet
Feeding habits are inferred from -level characteristics; Lygaeidae are primarily seed-feeders, but specific plants for N. jamaicensis have not been documented.
Ecological Role
Likely functions as a seed in its , though quantitative ecological studies are lacking.
Similar Taxa
- Neortholomus scolopaxOccurs in overlapping range in Central and South America; distinguished by differences in male paramere structure and body size
- Neortholomus punctipennisFound in similar Caribbean ; requires examination of punctation patterns on pronotum and scutellum for separation
More Details
Taxonomic note
Neortholomus was established as a separate from Ortholomus based on male genitalic characters. The epithet 'jamaicensis' refers to the type locality in Jamaica.