ARS | Publication request: First North American records of Amphiareus obscuriceps (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), with a discussion of dead-leaf microhabitats

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 21, 2007
Publication Date: March 25, 2008
Citation: Henry, T.J., Wheeler, A.G., Steiner, W.E. 2008. First North American records of Amphiareus obscuriceps (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), with a discussion of dead-leaf microhabitats. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 110:402-416.

Interpretive Summary: Members of the true bug family commonly called minute pirate bugs get their name from their small size and predatory feeding habits. About 100 species of pirate bugs are reported from North America, with the insidious pirate bug being the most well known. This species is common on agricultural crops and is extensively used in biocontrol programs to control aphids, thrips, and mites, pests causing many millions of dollars damage annually.This paper presents information on an exotic minute pirate not previously known to occur in the United States or Canada. Its probable Asian origin, distribution, associated plants, potential prey species, and dead-leaf microhabitat are discussed. This information will be of interest to Federal and state regulatory agencies documenting invasive species and researchers working with natural enemies of agricultural pests.

Technical Abstract: The anthocorid Amphiareus obscuriceps (Poppius) is reported for the first time from North America based on records from one Canadian province (Ontario), 14 U.S. states (Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia), and the District of Columbia. A diagnosis, description, adult photographs, and scanning electron photomicrographs are furnished to help facilitate recognition and a discussion of the poorly known dead-leaf microhabitat, associated plants, and psocids and other potential prey of this species is provided.