Nyctiphalerus rugipennis
(Crawford, 1914)
Nyctiphalerus rugipennis is a (jumping plant louse) in the Psyllidae. It was first described as Euphalerus rugipennis by Crawford in 1914 before being transferred to Nyctiphalerus. The has been recorded from scattered localities in western North America. Like other psyllids, it is a phloem-feeding insect associated with plants, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nyctiphalerus rugipennis: //ˌnɪktɪfəˈlɛərəs ˌruːdʒɪˈpɛnɪs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Nyctiphalerus by the (wrinkled) texture of the forewings, as indicated by the specific epithet "rugipennis." The Nyctiphalerus is separated from related genera by genitalic and wing venation characters. Specific diagnostic features for N. rugipennis require examination of male and female terminalia.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona, California, Oregon, and Utah in the western United States. The disjunct records suggest either a broader but undersampled range or association with specific plants in these regions.
Similar Taxa
- Euphalerus speciesFormerly classified in this ; shares general but differs in wing texture and genitalic structure
- Other Nyctiphalerus species with similar body plans; require detailed examination of wing surface texture and genitalia for separation