Acalypta parvula

sweet... thanks Laura & Tim

we're all lucky to have you around

Moved from Acalypta.

… v belov, 5 February, 2010 - 2:33pm

Acalypta parvula

You were very lucky to find this tingid; I'm curious to know in what kind of habitat did you find it? These tingids are hard to find because they mostly feed on mosses and there's no visible damage. When it was first found in the American Continent it was thought to be a new species and it was given the name Acalypta barberi, but it was recently synonymized. It is believed that the insect was introduced from Europe or Russia.

… Laura T. Miller, 5 February, 2010 - 1:11pm

Thanks Laura for the ID

This was taken by sweepnetting riparian vegetation (shrubs) near the river. The river is bordered by mixed coniferous/deciduous woods. There was abundant moss on the ground at the site and it was probably taken from a sweep closer to the ground. I am planning on experimenting with berlese funnels this season and if I do return to the site sometime this summer, I hope to collect some of the material for extraction and anticipate that I will find more specimens hiding in there.

… Tim Loh, 5 February, 2010 - 4:01pm

you're welcome

Berlese funnels can be lots of fun and it's a good way to find those Acalypta species. I once had the best experience with Berlese funnels and Acalypta. I started collecting the specimens alive and was able to rear Acalypta lillianis from the very first instars to adult. It was a joy to observe under the microscope those tiny bugs feed on the moss, molt, and grow.
On the other hand, if you do collect more Acalypta, particularly A. parvula I would appreciate if you could send me at least one specimen. We don't get this species in the East. Happy Berlessing!

… Laura T. Miller, 9 February, 2010 - 2:33pm

Moved tentatively -- nice bug! let's wait for Dr Miller's input

Moved from ID Request.

… v belov, 6 September, 2009 - 8:52pm