Cycloptilum
Scudder, 1869
Common Scaly Crickets
Cycloptilum is a of in the Mogoplistidae, established by Scudder in 1869. The genus contains at least 50 described distributed across the Americas, from the southeastern United States through the Caribbean to South America. These small are characterized by distinctive -like body covering. The genus was historically placed in but is now classified in Mogoplistidae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cycloptilum: /sɪˈklɒptɪləm/
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Identification
Members of Cycloptilum can be distinguished from other Mogoplistidae by their small size and the presence of -like structures covering the body. The can be separated from related genera such as Arachnocephalus by subtle differences in genitalic and patterns, though precise identification often requires examination of male .
Images
Distribution
The Americas, including the southeastern United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida), California, the Caribbean, and South America (Colombia). Records are primarily from field collections in Florida and surrounding regions.
Similar Taxa
- ArachnocephalusSimilar in the same tribe Arachnocephalini; distinguished by genitalic and differences
More Details
Taxonomic History
Cycloptilum was originally described in but is now placed in Mogoplistidae based on morphological and molecular evidence. The remains taxonomically active with new described as recently as 1938 based on southeastern U.S. collections.