Asiopsocus
Günther, 1968
Asiopsocus is a of and in the , established by Günther in 1968. The genus comprises seven described distributed across Asia, North America, and Mexico. Members of this genus are small, winged belonging to the infraorder Caeciliusetae. Reproductive biology has been studied in at least one species, A. sonorensis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asiopsocus: /ˌeɪsioʊˈpsoʊkəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Asiopsocus can be distinguished from other Caeciliusetae by characters of the and , though specific diagnostic features for the require examination of and original descriptions. The is characterized by particular arrangements of and wing venation patterns that separate it from related families such as Caeciliusidae.
Distribution
The has a disjunct distribution spanning temperate and subtropical regions. Described occur in Mongolia (A. mongolicus), southern Europe (A. meridionalis), Mexico (A. sonorensis, A. tehuacanus), the southwestern United States (A. sonorensis), the United Arab Emirates (A. vanharteni), and China (A. wulingshanensis).
Ecological Role
As with other in the infraorder Caeciliusetae, of Asiopsocus likely function as in their , contributing to through consumption of decaying matter, , and lichens.
Similar Taxa
- CaeciliusBoth belong to the infraorder Caeciliusetae and share general body plan and patterns, but Asiopsocus is distinguished by -level characters including specific arrangements of on the and body.
- Asiopsocidae (other genera)Within the , Asiopsocus is distinguished from other by combinations of details, genitalic , and geographic distribution.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established to accommodate previously placed in Caeciliusidae but distinguished by particular morphological characters. Asiopsocus was the genus of this family when established by Günther in 1968.
Species diversity
Seven have been described: A. meridionalis (Spain, 1981), A. mongolicus (Mongolia, 1968), A. sonorensis (Mexico/USA, 1976), A. spinosus (Mexico, 2005), A. tehuacanus (Mexico, 1995), A. vanharteni (UAE, 1995), and A. wulingshanensis (China, 2002). The shows a notable biogeographic pattern with species in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions.