Location: 35.6396472, -79.0825361
Size estimated. I am leaning towards typhaeus as opposed to distinctus, but am just not sure. Bug found feeding on Curtiss' Milkwort, Polygala curtissii. It then dropped down onto lichen-covered ground, where it was very well camouflaged. Referring to Brailovsky and Barrera. New Species Of Merocoris (Merocoris) Perty From Brazil, with Keys to Known Subgenera and Species of the Tribe Merocorini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae: Meropachyinae). Florida Entomologist 92(1) March 2009: 134-138.
https://journals.flvc.org/flaent/article/view/75915/73573:
5. Head subtriangular prolonged anteriorly between the bases of the antenniferous tubercles; interocular space with short tubercle near the inner border of each eye; antennal segment I subclavate, tapering toward the base from the middle and finely pubescent. . .M. (C.) typhaeus (Fabricius)
5’. Head nearly quadrate, not conspicuously prolonged in front the bases of the antenniferous tubercles; interocular space unarmed; antennal segment I stout, constricted basally only, and densely pubescent with hairs thick and bristle-like. . 6 (distinctus or curtatus; latter western).