Explanation of Names
Scantius aegyptius (Linnaeus 1758)
Size
Adults typically 7 to 9 mm in length - UC, Riverside
Identification
Det. Salvador Vitanza, 2024
Range
adventive and established in CA-AZ / Baja, Mex. -
Map (1)(2)(3), native to the eastern Mediterranean region
Life Cycle
The literature contains very little information regarding the biology of S. aegyptius and Scantius species in general are not considered to be economically important species. In California, Scantius has been observed feeding on the developing seeds and stems of Knotweed (Polygonum spp.) and Egyptian Mallow (Malva parviflora). It is likely that S. aegyptius will feed on the seeds of several species of annual herbaceous plants.
The most noticeable impact of S. aegyptius in California will likely be the presence of large numbers of nymphs and adults migrating from drying annual weeds into adjacent developed areas. These migrations consisting of thousands of individuals can be very conspicuous and lead to large aggregations on small patches of host plants causing concern to local residents who notice these obvious aggregations. - UC, Riverside
Remarks
est. in s. CA since the late 2000s. - UC, Riverside
Internet References
CISR datasheet - Nick Nisson, UC, Riverside