ARS | Publication request: REDESCRIPTION AND HOSTS OF MELANORHOPLA INFUSCATA PARSHLEY, WITH NOTES AND NEW DISTRIBUTION RECORDS FOR M. FROESCHNERI HENRY AND WHEELER(HEMIPTERA: HETEROPTERA: TINGIDAE)

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 9, 2006
Publication Date: October 12, 2006
Citation: Henry, T.J., Wheeler Jr, A.G. 2006. Redescription and hosts of melanorhopla infuscata parshley, with notes and new distribution records for M. froeschneri henry and wheeler (hemiptera: heteroptera: tingidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 108:917-922.

Interpretive Summary: The lace bug family contains some of the most economically important pests of ornamental plants in North America, including the azalea lace bug, hawthorn lace bug, and the sycamore lace bug. Feeding from most species can produce severe chlorosis and shot-holing, resulting in serious leaf injury to their hosts. Some of the least-known North American lace bugs, however, are those that feed mostly on stems of their host plants, as do the species treated in this paper. In this paper, we give new state records and the first host associated with immatures for two rarely collected lace bugs. Descriptions, photographs, and notes on feeding preferences are provided for the adults of both lace bugs. This paper will provide important host-plant and behavior information to extension specialists, horticulturists, and regulatory personnel working on control and management of ornamental pests.

Technical Abstract: Some of the least-known North American Tingidae are those that feed mostly on stems of their host plants, as do species of the genus Melanorhopala Stål, rather than on host leaves, as do most other tingids. We cite new state records for the rarely collected M. froeschneri Henry and Wheeler and M. infuscata Parshley and report saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana) as the first plant on which nymphs of M. infuscata have been found. Diagnoses and habitus photographs are provided for the adult of both tingid species, and M. infuscata is redescribed.