Rhyopsocus celtis
Mockford, 2016
Rhyopsocus celtis is a of (barklouse) in the Psoquillidae, described by Mockford in 2016. The specific epithet "celtis" indicates its association with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), which serve as its . The species belongs to a small of psocids that inhabit dead or dying woody vegetation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhyopsocus celtis: //raɪˈɒpsəkəs ˈsɛltɪs//
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Habitat
Associated with dead or dying branches of Celtis (hackberry) trees.
Host Associations
- Celtis - primary Specific epithet and known indicate specialization on hackberry trees
Ecological Role
Decomposer; contributes to breakdown of dead hackberry wood and associated organic matter.
Similar Taxa
- Rhyopsocus spp. in the same ; differentiation requires examination of morphological details and association
- Other Psoquillidae-level similarities in general habitus; R. celtis distinguished by specificity on Celtis and -level characters
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was described relatively recently (2016), so published information on its and distribution remains limited. The specific epithet directly references its plant , Celtis.
Collection context
Specimens have been collected from dead hackberry branches, consistent with the of many Psoquillidae that inhabit decaying woody plant material.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Catalogue of Life
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- Listen to the trees: a detective work on the origin of invasive species
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- Introducing Chrysobothris caddo | Beetles In The Bush