Genus Merocoris

Classification · Numbers · Identification · Internet References

Squash/Thick-legged bug - Merocoris typhaeus

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)

Suborder Heteroptera (True Bugs)

Family Coreidae (Leaffooted Bugs)

Genus Merocoris

Numbers

Neartica lists 3 North American species: curtatus, distinctus, and typhaeus.

Identification

Acoording to this reference,

- M.curtatus is a strictly western species;

- M.distinctus is widespread in the East, but seem to lack in Florida;

- M.typhaeus might be confined to Florida. Morphological differentiation of the last two species at least is difficult.

Internet References

The Insects of Cedar Creek has photos of M. distinctus and information.

The Insect collection at N.C. State, lists M. distinctus and typhaeus in their collection.

Florida Environments Online has a key to Coriedae including Merocoris.

Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi on 17 December, 2004 - 2:12pm
Additional contributions by Boris Bueche
Last updated 4 May, 2007 - 8:08am

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