Corimelaena incognita

(McAtee & Malloch, 1933)

ebony bug

Corimelaena incognita is a thyreocorid ( Thyreocoridae) commonly known as an ebony bug. The has been studied in southern New Mexico, where it exhibits a with in leaf litter. Laboratory rearing methods have been established, and its stages have been described.

2016.09.07 21.24.44 IMG 7921 - Flickr - andrey zharkikh by Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.2016.09.11 11.12.04 IMG 7929 - Flickr - andrey zharkikh by Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.2016.09.11 11.15.44 IMG 3453 - Flickr - andrey zharkikh by Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Corimelaena incognita: /kɔˌɹɪməˈliːnə ɪnˈkɑɡnɪtə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Corimelaena by detailed morphological examination; stages identifiable by size and punctation patterns across the five instars. Specific diagnostic features for separating C. incognita from require examination of and reference to original description.

Images

Habitat

Associated with plant Leucophyllum frutescens in southern New Mexico; overwinter in leaf litter.

Distribution

Central America and North America; specifically documented from southern New Mexico in detailed studies.

Seasonality

: emerge from in early February, active through early December; laid from early April through late September; nymphs present from late April through late November.

Diet

Feeds on dried and developing fruits of Leucophyllum frutescens (Berlandier); the only plant observed for this .

Host Associations

  • Leucophyllum frutescens - plantOnly observed ; feed on dried fruits from previous year, then on current year's fruits throughout season

Life Cycle

with five nymphal instars. averages 8.33 days at 25°C. Stadium durations: 7.27, 4.10, 4.51, 4.90, and 8.54 days respectively for instars I-V. overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in early February.

Behavior

and offspring collectively feed on plant fruits throughout the growing season. laid singly, usually glued beneath bracts of developing fruits.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Corimelaena speciesRequires morphological examination to distinguish; specific diagnostic characters not detailed in available sources.

More Details

Laboratory Rearing

Successfully reared on fruits of Leucophyllum frutescens at 25 ± 0.01°C under 14:10 (L:D) .

Study Period

Field studies conducted in southern New Mexico from August 2005 through November 2007.

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Sources and further reading