Plagiognathus longipennis (Uhler)

SCHUH, RANDALL T., 2001, Revision Of New World Plagiognathus Fieber, With Comments On The Palearctic Fauna And The Description Of A New Genus (Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae), Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 2001 (266), pp. 1-267 : 151-153

Plagiognathus longipennis (Uhler) Figures 9 , 17 , 26

Oncotylus longipennis Uhler, 1895: 48 (n. sp.).

Plagiognathus longipennis: Carvalho, 1958: 103 (n. comb.).

Plagiognathus flavescens Knight, 1925: 33 (n. sp.) NEW SYNONYMY.

DIAGNOSIS: Recognized by the very long,

slender body (fig. 9), the somewhat exerted, anteriorly projecting head with the clypeus plainly visible from above (fig. 9, and the long slender femora. Vesica (fig. 26) similar in form to concoloris , flavus , grandis , lonicerae , and phaceliae , being sigmoid with a stout body and relatively short apical spines. Distinguished from all of those species by the more elongate body and the more strongly projecting head.

REDESCRIPTION: Male: Very large, elongate; total length 5.60–5.94, length apex clypeus–cuneal fracture 3.62–3.93, width across pronotum 1.21–1.36. COLORATION (fig. 9): General coloration of dorsum ranging from pale orange to grayish green; most of endocorium usually weakly infuscate; mesoscutum often tinged with orange; membrane fumose, veins orangish or greenish; antennae black (fig. 17) except for pale apical annulus of segment 1; labium infuscate at least apically; venter of thorax and abdomen ranging from totally pale to heavily infuscate; coloration of legs as for dorsum, femora with some dark spots and weak infuscation; dorsal tibial spines with small dark spots at bases; tibiae dark at femoral articulation. SURFACE AND VESTITURE: Dorsum weakly granular, smooth, very weakly shining. Vestiture of dorsum, including entire pronotum, composed of suberect, simple setae, most unicolorous with dorsum, some slightly darker. STRUCTURE: Body very elongate, nearly parallel­sided; head exerted, projecting anteriorly, posterior margin of eyes removed from anterior margin of pronotum; frons strongly tumid, clypeus conspicuous from above; anteocular distance 1.6 times diameter of antennal segment 1; head projecting below eye by 1.3 times diameter of antennal segment 1; labium not quite reaching apex of hind coxae. GENITALIA (fig. 26): Vesica, including apical spines, sigmoid, body relatively heavy, base falling well below base of secondary gonopore; apical spines relatively short, anterior spine more strongly angled relative to body of vesica, longer than more or less clawlike posterior spine; no flange on vesica (see Discussion below).

Female: Very elongate ovoid, membrane not extending so far beyond apex of cuneus as in male (fig. 9); coloration similar to male. Total length 5.03–5.28, length apex clypeus– cuneal fracture 3.44–3.61, width across pronotum 1.27–1.35.

HOSTS: Apparently breeds on a variety of hosts, including woody perennials as well as herbaceous species; most common among these appears to be Ribes (Grossulariaceae) . Frequently collected by sweeping in alpine meadows.

DISTRIBUTION: Higher elevations in western North America, ranging from eastern Washington and Idaho in the north, east to Colorado, and south to Arizona and Texas.

DISCUSSION: Uhler (1895) described the taxon longipennis from moderately high elevations in northern Colorado. After searching for longipennis in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., only three specimens could be found that are labeled in such a way that they might have been examined by Uhler. None, however, possess labels that correspond to what Uhler published in association with his original description. I am therefore designating a male specimen as neotype as a means of fixing the identity of this species. It has the following data and is deposited in the National Museum of Natural History:

USA: COLORADO: Mesa Co. : Grand Mesa N.F., Island Lake Cmpgrd. on Rt. 65, 10,000 ft., August 15, 1986, R. T. Schuh, Ribes sp. (Saxifragaceae) .

This species was apparently first placed in Plagiognathus by Carvalho ( 1958) in his world catalog. Knight (1925) described the species flavescens from an elevation of 9000 feet on Mt. Lemon in southern Arizona. Dissection of the male genitalia of numerous specimens of ‘‘flavescens’’ and ‘‘longipennis’’ produced results not seen in other Plagiognathus species. It appears that the posterior apical blade of the vesica may change position depending on the treatment of the genitalia, as illustrated in figure 26. The straps of the vesica sometimes become partially dissociated initially, but after standing in glycerine for some time return to a more or less normal position, at which time the relative positions of the anterior and posterior blades may be changed. The genitalic variation shows no apparent geographic pattern, the two ‘‘apparent’’ types occurring over the entire range of the species. Further­ more, I have not been able to find other differences that allow for the recognition of more than one taxon. The more southerly populations (Rustler Park, Arizona; Cloudcroft, New Mexico; Mount Lemon, Arizona) are more yellow­orange and have the venter of the thorax and abdomen almost entirely pale in the males, whereas in most Colorado populations the venter in males is nearly black; the venter in the females is ordinarily pale across the entire range of the species. On the basis of these comparisons, which include specimens examined by Uhler and Knight, as well as many others, I have concluded that flavescens is the same as longipennis , the latter having priority.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: USA.— Arizona: Apache Co. : McKays Peak, White Mountains, July 10, 1940, Gertsch and Hook, 2♀ (AMNH). Cochise Co. : 24 mi W of Tombstone, April 16, 1965, F. D. Parker, 33 (UCD). Chiricahua Mountains , 8000–9500 ft, July 11, 1968, V. D. Roth, 33, 2♀ (AMNH). Chiricahua Mountains , July 8, 1932, R. H. Beamer, 1♀ (KU). Chiricahua Mountains , Rustler’s Peak, July 4, 1940 – July 5, 1940, L. C. Kuitert, 13, 2♀ (KU). Chiricahua Mountains , Rustler’s Peak, July 5, 1940, D. E. Hardy, 33, 2♀ (KU). Chiricahua Mountains , Rustler’s Peak, July 5, 1940, L. J. Lipovsky, 1♀ (KU). Chiricahua Mountains , Rustler’s Peak, July 5, 1940, R. H. Beamer, 1♀ (KU). Chiricahua Mountains , Trail: Rustler Park to Fly Peak, 8–9000 ft, August 31, 1976, J. D. Pinto, 13, 4♀ (UCR). Portal, Chiricahua Mts. , July 30, 1967, L. A. Kelton, Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae) , 13, 1♀ (CNC). Rustler Park, Chiricahua Mountains , 2600 m, June 17, 1980, R. T. Schuh, K. and R. Schmidt, Helenium hoopesii (Asteraceae) , 93, 2♀ (AMNH). Rustler Park, Chiricahua Mountains , July 27, 1955, W. J. Gertsch and E. Ordway, 13, 1♀ (AMNH). Rustler Park, Chiricahua Mountains , July 7, 1968, L. A. Kelton, Lupinus sp. (Fabaceae) , 193, 26♀ (CNC). Coconino Co.: Flagstaff, Mt. Humphreys , August 16, 1967, L. A. Kelton, 73, 23♀ (CNC). N. Rim Grand Canyon, Pt. Imperial, August 1, 1967, D. C. Rentz, 23, 1♀ (UCB). San Francisco Mts. (50 Strokes), 10,300 ft, August 15, 1925, 33 (UCB). San Francisco Mts. , Coconino Natl. Forest , 9650 ft, July 14, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 43, 1♀ (CNC). San Francisco Mts. , June 25, 1950, J. G. Rozen, 13 (KU). San Francisco Mts. , Spruce Woods (Spruce Cabin), 10,300 ft, August 15, 1925, 13 (UCB). Graham Co. : Graham Mountains , July 6, 1955, Ordway and Statham, 13, 1♀ (AMNH). Pinaleno Mts. , Shannon Camp Ground, August 22, 1975 – August 17, 1976, J. D. Pinto, 23, 3♀ (UCR). Greenlee Co. : 0.5 mi NW of Greenlee on Hwy 191, 9160 ft, August 19, 1998, J. C. Schaffner, 63, 16♀ (TAMU). Hannagan, Apache Natl. Forest , July 10, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 23 (CNC). Pima Co. : Mt. Lemon , 0.4 mi N of Ski Valley, 8340 ft, August 16, 1998, J. C. Schaffner, 2♀ (TAMU). Mt. Lemon , Santa Catalina Mts. , 7000 ft, July 26, 1924, E. P. Van Duzee, 13, 11♀ (CAS). Mt. Lemon , Santa Catalina Mts. , 9000 ft, July 27, 1917, H. H. Knight, paratypes ( flavescens ): 33, 3♀ (CAS, USNM) ; holotype male ( flavescens ) (USNM). Mt. Lemon, Santa Catalina Mts. , 9000 ft, July 27, 1917, H. H. Knight, 13 (USNM). Mt. Lemon , Santa Catalina Mts. , August 3, 1967, L. A. Kelton, Rubus sp. (Rosaceae) , 13, 1♀ (CNC). Santa Catalina Mountains , July 16, 1950, L. D. Beamer, 13, 1♀ (KU). Santa Cruz Co. : Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains , August 16, 1940, Gertsch and Hook, 13 (AMNH). Yavapai Co.: 2 mi NE of Sheeps Crossing, White Mountains , Greer Rec. Area , June 26, 1980, J. D. Pinto, 33, 1♀ (UCR). California: Riverside Co. : 6 mi S of Valle Vista, T6S R1 E Sec. 9, 2300–2400 ft, June 24, 1977, J. D. Pinto and S. Frommer, Lonicera sp. (Caprifoliaceae) , 2♀ (UCR). Coyote Wash, P.L. Boyd, DRC, April 5, 1978, R. W. Brooks, Phacelia distans (Hydrophyllaceae) , 33, 2♀ (UCD). Deep Canyon , Coyote Creek , April 5, 1975, R. E. Carlstrom, 13 (UCR). Colorado: Archuleta Co. : 16 mi N of Pagosa Springs, June 24, 1964, H. R. Burke, 33, 4♀ (TAMU). Pagosa Springs , July 22, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 13, 2♀ (CNC). Rt 160, 5 mi N of Pagosa Springs, June 27, 1980, K. and R. Schmidt, Thalictrum sp. (Ranunculaceae) , 2♀ (AMNH). Rt 160, 5 mi N of Pagosa Springs, June 27, 1980, K. and R. Schmidt, Thalictrum sp. (Ranunculaceae) , 73, 24♀ (AMNH). Boulder Co. : Eldorado , Snow Line Camp , June 30, 1948, W. F. Chamberlain, 13 (TAMU). Nederland , Science Lodge , 9500 ft, August 6, 1961, J. R. Stainer, 23, 3♀ (CNC). Rainbow Lakes , Roosevelt Natl. Forest , 9800 ft, August 3, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 1♀ (CNC). Ward , Roosevelt Natl. Forest , July 30, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 13 (CNC). Clear Creek Co. : Georgetown , July 11, 1973, J. R. Vockeroth, Pedicularis greyi (Scrophulariaceae) , 143, 8♀ (CNC). Green Lake , Guanella Pass , 9900 ft, September 6, 1982, D. A. and J. T. Polhemus, 4♀ (JTP). Mt. Evans , 12,000 ft, August 3, 1961, W. R. M. Mason, 53, 3♀ (CNC). Mt. Evans , Doolittle Ranch , 9800 ft, July 21, 1961 – August 10, 1961, B. H. Poole, J. R. Stainer, 163, 15♀ (CNC). West Chicago Creek , Arapaho Natl. Forest , 9800 ft, July 28, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 213, 33♀ (CNC). Conejos Co. : 3 mi N of Cumbres, Trujillo Mdw. Camp , 10,000 ft, August 5, 1961, F., P. and J. Rindge, 1♀ (AMNH). Elk Creek Recreation Area , August 22, 1969, J.C. Schaffner, 13, 2♀ (TAMU). Dolores Co. : 27 mi NE of Dolores ( Montezuma Co. ) near Fish Creek (2.7 mi up from main road), July 24, 1976, N. L. Herman, 1♀ (AMNH). Cottonwood Spring (21 mi NE of Dolores, Montezuma Co. ), 7800 ft, July 23, 1976, N. L. Herman, 13 (AMNH). West Dolores River (19 mi NE of Delores, Montezuma Co. ), 7600 ft, July 22, 1976, N. L. Herman, 13 (AMNH). Eagle Co. : Shrine Pass Road., nr Vail , August 12, 1987, D. A. Rider, 13, 1♀ (DAR). Vail , 4 mi S of Piney Lake, August 2, 1982, C. N. McKinnon, 1♀ (JTP). Gilpin Co. : 1 mi E of Rollins Pass, 10,000 ft, August 16, 1969, J. C. Schaffner, 143, 21♀ (TAMU). Grand Co. : Grand Lake , August 6, 1947, L. D. Beamer, 23 (KU). Winter Park , August 21, 1986, H. R. Burke, 5♀ (TAMU). Gunnison Co. : Gothic , August 2, 1962, J. Shepard, 2♀ (OSU). Gothic , July 19, 1963, O. R. Taylor, 3♀ (AMNH). Mc­ Clure Pass , August 8, 1975, J. C. Schaffner, 263, 46♀ (TAMU). Hinsdale Co. : Engineer Pass , SW of Lake City, 11,000 ft, August 30, 1980, D. A. and J. T. Polhemus, 13 (JTP). Jackson Co. : 1 mi E of Gould, August 11, 1969 – August 14, 1969, J. C. Schaffner, 43, 2♀ (TAMU). 2 mi E of Gould, August 5, 1975, J. C. Schaffner, Vicia americana (Fabaceae) , 163, 20♀ (TAMU). Gould , 9200 ft, August 12, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 2♀ (CNC). Muddy Pass , 8800 ft, August 15, 1961, J. E. R. Stainer, 3♀ (CNC). Muddy Pass , July 5, 1972, D. Anderson, 13, 1♀ (USU). Muddy Pass , Routt Natl. Forest , 8600 ft, August 21, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 2♀ (CNC). Rabbit Ears Pass , August 11, 1965, G. F. Knowlton, 13 (USU). Rabbit Ears Pass , July 7, 1961, J. G. Chillcott, 93, 5♀ (CNC). Jefferson Co. : Upper Beaver Br. Gulch , August 12, 1981, D. A. Polhemus, 1♀ (JTP). La Plata Co. : La Plata , San Francisco Natl. Forest , 8500 ft, July 19, 1968, L. A. Kelton, Ribes sp. (Grossulariaceae) , 73, 11♀ (CNC). Larimer Co. : 40 mi W of Fort Collins, Bennett Creek Picnic Ground , Pingree Park Rd. , 7400 ft, July 14, 1986, R. T. Schuh and J. T. Polhemus, 73, 3♀ (AMNH). 46 mi W of Fort Collins, Fish Creek Picnic Ground , Pingree Park Rd. , 7700 ft, July 14, 1986, R. T. Schuh and J. T. Polhemus, 73, 8♀ (AMNH). Chambers Lake , August 16, 1966, Knowlton , 13 (USU). Glen Haven , August 3, 1947, P. B. and E. R. Lawson, 23 (KU). Glen Haven , July 28, 1946, P. B. Lawson, 1♀ (KU). Pingree Park , August 16, 1930, T. A. Brindley, 13, 8♀ (TAMU). Pingree Park , August 19, 1924, 13 (KU). Rocky Mountain National Park , Fall River Road , 9500 ft, August 16, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 73, 10♀ (CNC). Rocky Mountain National Park , Grand Lake Entrance , August 18, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 33, 2♀ (CNC). Las Animas Co. : Cuchara Pass Summit on Rt 12, 9990 ft, August 19, 1986, R. T. Schuh and J. T. Polhemus, 13, 1♀ (AMNH). Monument Park , 8650 ft, August 28, 1982, D. A. and J. T. Polhemus, 13 (JTP). Mesa Co. : Grand Mesa National Forest , Island Lake Campground on Rt 65, 10,000 ft, August 15, 1986, R. T. Schuh, Ribes sp. (Grossulariaceae) , 243, 34♀ (AMNH). Mesa Mesa Co. : Jumbo , Grand Mesa Natl. Forest , August 25, 1968, L. A. Kelton, 53, 6♀ (CNC). Mineral Co. : 5 mi N of Wolf Creek Pass, August 20, 1969, J. C. Schaffner, 1♀ (TAMU). Montrose Co. : 18 mi SE of Naturita, July 8, 1980, J. T. and D. A. Polhemus, 13 (JTP). Ouray Co. : 6 mi S of Ouray, August 15, 1973, J. C. Schaffner, 103, 8♀ (TAMU). Ouray , 8500 ft, July 11, 1919, 3♀ (AMNH). Red Mountain Pass , 11,000 ft, August 9, 1979, J. D. Pinto, 73, 6♀ (UCR). Ridgway , 7000 ft, July 10, 1919, 1♀ (AMNH). Summit Road , Ouray , 10,000 ft, July 13, 1919, 4♀ (AMNH). Pitkin Co. : Aspen , 8000 ft, July 24, 1919, 1♀ (AMNH). Rio Blanco Co. : South Fork Campground , 12 mi S of Buford, August 6, 1978, J. T. Polhemus, 1♀ (JTP). Routt Co. : Walton Creek , Routt Natl. Forest , August 23, 1968, L. A. Kelton, Delphinium sp. (Ranunculaceae) , 23, 2♀ (CNC). San Juan Co. : Molas Lake Pass , San Juan Natl. Forest , August 26, 1972, L. A. Kelton, 2♀ (CNC). San Juan National Forest , 1.8 mi N of Coal Bank Hill Summit On Rt 550, 10,500 ft, August 15, 1986, R. T. Schuh, 43, 6♀ (AMNH). Summit Co. : Frisco , August 14, 1981, D. A. Polhemus, 13, 1♀ (JTP). Loveland Pass, W slope, 9850 ft, August 3, 1961, Chillcott and Mann , 193, 18♀ (CNC). Unknown Co. : Rico , August 2, 1900, 1♀ (USNM). Idaho: Franklin Co. : Beaver Creek , July 14, 1977, G. F. Knowlton, 13, 1♀ (USU). Nevada: White Pine Co. : Connors Pass , July 30, 1975, W. F. Chamberlain, 13 (TAMU). New Mexico: Catron Co. : 18 mi E of Alma, Bursum Camp , 9000 ft, July 8, 1961 – July 14, 1961, F., P. and J. Rindge, 53, 8♀ (AMNH). Colfax Co. : 5 mi W of Ute Park, Cimarron Canyon , June 25, 1964, H. R. Burke, 13, 2♀ (TAMU). Palo Flechado Pass , 9107 ft, July 22, 1968 – July 24, 1968, J. C. Schaffner, 23, 1♀ (TAMU). Dona Ana Co. : Las Cruces , July 1, 1932, R. H. Beamer, 43, 2♀ (KU). Lincoln Co. : Sierra Blanca, Ski Apache , 9600 ft, June 30, 1998, E. Riley, 13, 2♀ (TAMU). Otero Co. : 2 mi E of Cloudcroft, July 17, 1979, Delorme , Mc Hugh , Schaffner , 33, 11♀ (TAMU). 3 mi E of Cloudcroft, July 19, 1976, J. D. Pinto, Geranium sp. (Geraniaceae) , 33, 7♀ (UCR). 4 mi E of Cloudcroft, July 17, 1979 – August 18, 1979, Delorme , McHugh , Schaffner , 133, 20♀ (TAMU). 4 mi E of Cloudcroft, September 26, 1979, Murray , Schaffner , 1♀ (TAMU). Cloudcroft , 9100 ft, July 5, 1968, L. A. Kelton, Acacia sp. (Fabaceae) , 133, 18♀ (CNC). Cloudcroft , June 16, 1902, E. P. Van Duzee, 13 (CAS). Cloudcroft , June 27, 1940, D. E. Hardy, 143, 6♀ (KU). Cloudcroft , June 27, 1940, E. E. Kenaga, 63, 4♀ (KU). Cloudcroft , June 27, 1940, L. C. Kuitert, 23, 3♀ (KU). Cloudcroft , June 27, 1940, R. H. Beamer, 93, 3♀ (KU). Cloudcroft , June 28, 1922, R. H. Beamer, 1♀ (KU). San Miguel Co. : Beulah , June 29, 1902, E. P. Van Duzee, 13 (CAS). Santa Fe Co. : 8 mi NE of Santa Fe, Hyde State Park , 8700 ft, July 31, 1964, F., P., and M. Rindge, 23 (AMNH). Socorro Co. : 28 mi SW of Magdalena, Bear Trap Camp , 8500 ft, July 4, 1965 – July 10, 1965, F., P. and M. Rindge, 13, 1♀ (AMNH). Taos Co. : Columbine Park Recreation Area , July 24, 1968, J. C. Schaffner, 13, 6♀ (TAMU). Tres Ritos , July 25, 1968, J. C. Schaffner, 93, 27♀ (TAMU). Unknown Co. : Highrolls , June 30, 1902, E. P. Van Duzee, 13 (CAS). Oregon: Union Co. : 4.5 mi E of Tollgate Woodland Campground, 5000 ft, August 4, 1986, Schuh , Schwartz , Stonedahl , Alnus rhombifolia (Betulaceae) , 23 (AMNH). Texas: Dallam Co. : Dalhart , July 15, 1965, H. R. Burke, 33, 8♀ (TAMU). Utah: Grand Co. : Warner Ranger Station , 28 mi ESE of Moab, 9200 ft, July 30, 1960 – August 2, 1960, F., P. and B. Rindge, 23 (AMNH). Kane Co. : Duck Creek , July 15, 1965, G. F. Knowlton, 1♀ (USU). Rich Co. : Monte Cristo , 9000 ft, July 14, 1977, G. F. Knowlton, 13 (USU). No specific locality, July 30, 1964, G. F. Knowlton, 13 (USU). San Juan Co. : 5 mi W of Monticello, Dalton Springs Camp , 8500 ft, July 12, 1963, F., P. and M. Rindge, 2♀ (AMNH). Sanpete Co. : Ephraim Canyon , 9000 –9500 ft, August 13, 1975, G. F. Knowlton, 23, 1♀ (USU). Summit Co. : 17 mi E of Kamas, August 5, 1971, W. J. Hanson and G. F. Knowlton, 13, 2♀ (USU). Utah Co.: Alpine Loop , July 25, 1973, W. J. Hanson, 2♀ (USU). American Fork Canyon , August 6, 1969, G. F. Knowlton, 13, 1♀ (USU). American Fork Canyon , July 31, 1954, G. L. Nielsen, 2♀ (USU). Wasatch Co. : 30 mi SE of Kamas on Rt 34, Uintah Natl. Forest , Wolf Creek Campground, T 4S R10 W Sec 7, 9000 ft, August 15, 1986, Schwartz and Stonedahl , 43, 15♀ (AMNH). Washington: Pierce Co. : Du Pont , July 5, 1935, R. H. Beamer, 13 (KU) .

Figures

Fig. 9. Habitus figures of Nearctic Plagiognathus spp. (see p. 263 for localities).

Fig. 17. Antennal segments 1 and 2 of Nearctic Plagiognathus spp.

Fig. 26. Male genitalia of Nearctic Plagiognathus spp. fl = flange.