Europiella pilosula (Uhler)

SCHUH, RANDALL T., 2004, Revision of Europiella Reuter in North America, with the Description of a New Genus (Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae), American Museum Novitates 3463, pp. 1-59 : 42-45

Europiella pilosula (Uhler)

Figures 2 , 4

Atomoscelis pilosulus Uhler, 1893: 377 (n. sp., descr.); Schuh et al. 1995: 388 (n. syns., disc.).

Tuponia subnitida Uhler, 1895: 45 (n. sp.; syn. by Schuh et al., 1995: 388).

Microphylidea pallens Knight, 1968: 29 (n. sp.; syn. by Schuh et al., 1995: 388).

Europiella flavicornis Knight, 1969: 82 (n. sp.; syn. by Schuh et al., 1995: 388).

Europiella pallida Knight, 1969: 83 (n. sp.; syn. by Stonedahl, 1990: 85).

Europiella albata Knight, 1969: 85 (n. sp.; syn. by Schuh et al., 1995: 388).

DIAGNOSIS: Recognized by the generally pale coloration of the body and the entirely pale antennae (fig. 2), a combination of attributes otherwise found together only in E. signicornis . Separated from E. signicornis by the more elongate body form in the males of E. pilosula and structure of the vesica, the anterior spine being sickle­shaped in E. pilosula (fig. 4) and nearly straight in E. signicornis (fig. 5). Body form and coloration also similar to E. morrisoni , but that species not so elongate and anterior vesical spine not sickle­shaped.

REDESCRIPTION: Male: Moderately elongate, total length 2.63–3.50, width pronotum 0.88–1.07. COLORATION (fig. 2): Dorsum, including membrane, usually pale, white, sometimes weakly to moderately infuscate; all antennal segments pale; labium pale on basal three­fourths, segment 4 black; legs entirely pale, femora with some black spots, tibial spines brown with at most tiny brown bases; entire venter usually pale, sometimes largely dark in specimens with infuscate dorsum. SURFACE AND VESTITURE: Surface and vestiture as in generic diagnosis. STRUCTURE: Elongate, hemelytra ranging from nearly parallel­sided to weakly convex. GENITALIA (fig. 4): Pygophore only moderately large relative to total size of abdomen; vesica with short apical spines, anterior spine sickle­shaped, posterior spine narrow and weakly decurved.

Female: Coloration as in male; body form much more strongly ovoid. Total length 2.42–3.04, width pronotum 0.82–1.02.

HOSTS: Artemisia spp. , recorded chiefly from A. filifolia and A. tridentata . Records from non­Asteraceae are certainly sitting records.

DISTRIBUTION: Interior regions of western North America from British Columbia to southern California, east onto the plains from South Dakota south to Texas.

DISCUSSION: The often pale, but somewhat variable, coloration of this rather widespread species would seem to have contributed to the rather large number of junior synonyms.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Lectotype: 3, Am. Fork, Ut., 22–6.91 (USNM). Holotypes of synonyms: Europiella albata Knight : ♀, Jackson Co., Oklahoma, 11/4, 1939, collected by E. Hixson (USNM). Europiella flavicornis Knight : 3, Sterling, Colo., Aug. 26, 1925, H. H. Knight (USNM). Europiella pallida Knight : 3, St. George, UTAH, June 30, 1965, Harry H. Knight (USNM). Microphylidea pallens Knight : 3, MERCURY, NEVADA, 19M VI­23–1965, H. Knight & J. Merino (USNM). Additional specimens: CANADA: British Columbia: 8 km N of Naramata, June 12, 1992, G.G.E. Scudder (UBC). 8 km N of Naramata, June 12, 1992, G.G.E. Scud­ der, 13 (CNC). 8.2 km from Osoyoos, Mount Kobau Road, 1150 m, August 3, 1997, G.G.E. Scud­ der (UBC). Chopaka, June 30, 1981, G.G.E. Scudder (UBC). Chopaka, June 30, 1981, S. G. Cannings, 13 (CNC). Kamloops, June 25, 1950, B. P. Beirne ( Asteraceae ) (CNC). Kamloops, June 25, 1950, B. P. Beirne, 13 (CNC). Nicola Lake, July 26, 1970, L. A. Kelton, 13 (CNC). Nicola Lake, July 26, 1970, L. A. Kelton, alfalfa ( Fabaceae ) (CNC). Osoyoos Lake, Haynes Ecol. Res., June 30, 1981, S. G. Cannings, 3♀ (CNC). Osoyoos Lake, Haynes Ecol. Res., June 30, 1981, S. G. Cannings, (UBC). Osoyoos Lake, northeast end, June 30, 1981, S. G. Cannings (UBC). Osoyoos, Mt. Kobau Road, km 8.2, 1150 m, August 3, 1997, G.G.E. Scudder, 1♀ (CNC). Penticton, west bench, June 23, 1983, S. G. Cannings (UBC). Princeton, July 25, 1970, L. A. Kelton, 13, 1♀ (CNC). West Bench, Penticton, June 23, 1983, S. G. Cannings, 13 (CNC). USA: Arizona: Apache Co. : St. Johns, August 14, 1967, L. A. Kelton, Artemisia sp. (Asteraceae) , 103, 13♀ (CNC). Cochise Co. : 1 mi E of Wilcox, October 20, 1979, J. D. Pinto, 13 (UCR). Coconino Co.: Grand Canyon, June 29, 1930, R. L. Usinger, 13 (UCB). Coshise Co.: 31 mi E of E Douglas, August 24, 1974, J. D. Pinto, 13 (UCR). Pinal Co.: Superior, 2400 ft, April 16, 1928, A. A. Nichol, 23 (USNM). California: Fresno Co.: Selma, June 4, 1929, R. L. Usinger, 13 (CAS). Inyo Co. : Big Pine, June 17, 1929, R. L. Usinger, 23 (CAS). Independence, June 13, 1929 – June 14, 1929, E. P. Van Duzee, 63 (CAS). Lone Pine, June 9, 1929, E. P. Van Duzee, 63 (CAS). Olancha, June 8, 1929, E. P. Van Duzee, 93 (CAS). Lassen Co.: 57 mi SE of Susanville, July 11, 1972, Oman, 1♀ (OSU). Sage Hen, July 26, 1954, B. P. Bliven, 13 (CAS). Los Angeles Co.: Mint Canyon, May 26, 1937, E. P. Van Duzee, 23 (CAS). Colorado: Bent Co.: John Martin Dam near Hasty, August 29, 1982, D. A. and J. T. Polhemus, 123 (JTP). Costilla Co.: Fort Garland, August 10, 1925, H. H. Knight, 23, 3♀ (USNM). Elbert Co.: 5 mi E of Agate, August 9, 1987, J. T. and D. A. Polhemus, Artemisia filifolia (Asteraceae) , 223 (JTP). Garfield Co.: W. Evacuation Creek, 11 mi SE of Colorado state line on Rt 45, 6800 ft, July 9, 1981, M. D. Schwartz, 63 (AMNH). Larimer Co.: Hudson, August 25, 1925, H. H. Knight, Artemisia filifolia (Asteraceae) , 13 (CNC). Hudson, August 25, 1925, H. H. Knight, Artemisia filifolia (Asteraceae) , 13 (USNM). Logan Co.: Sterling, August 26, 1925, C. J. Drake, 13 (USNM). Moffat Co.: Craig, August 3, 1947, R. H. Beamer, 13 (KU). Rio Blanco Co. : 30 mi N of Rifle on Rt 13, 6800 ft, August 14, 1986, R. T. Schuh, 153 (AMNH). Weld Co.: 5 mi W of Roggen, 5200 ft, July 16, 1983 – August 10, 1987, R. T. Schuh, D. A. and J. T. Polhemus, T. J. Henry, 713 (AMNH, USNM). Fort Lupton, June 10, 1910, 13 (USNM). NE of Hudson, September 1, 1978 – August 9, 1987, D. A. and J. T. Polhemus, 243 (JTP). Idaho: Oneida Co. : Ireland Canyon, November 7, 1973, G. F. Knowlton, 13 (USU). Power Co.: American Falls, August 5, 1972, L. A. Kelton, Juniperus sp. (Cupressaceae) , 33, 2♀ (CNC). Twin Falls Co.: Hollister, June 26, 1931, D. E. Fox, Artemisia tridentata (Asteraceae) , 23 (USNM). Kansas: Meade Co.: No specific locality, September 13, 1944, R. H. Beamer, 13 (KU). Nevada: Carson City Co.: Carson City, June 26, 2029, R. L. Usinger, 13 (CAS). Clark Co.: Charleston Peak, 6000 ft, July 19, 1982, J. T. Polhemus, 13 (JTP). Esmeralda Co. : 13 mi W of Lida on Rt 3, 1938 m, July 12, 1980 – July 13, 1980, R. T. Schuh and G. M. Stonedahl, Artemisia sp. (Asteraceae) , 193 (AMNH). Eureka Co.: 12 mi N of Rt 50 on Rt 278, 5800 ft, June 27, 1983, R. T. Schuh and M. D. Schwartz, Artemisia tridentata (Asteraceae) , 13 (AMNH). Lyon Co.: North Boundary of Toiyabe National Forest on Rt 22, 1780 m, July 11, 1980, R. T. Schuh and G. M. Stonedahl, Artemisia sp. (Asteraceae) , 143 (AMNH). Nye Co.: Mercury, August 13, 1965, J. Merino, Artemisia tridentata (Asteraceae) , 23, 2♀ (USNM). Washoe Co.: 7 mi W of Vya toward Cedarville, 1800 m, July 2, 1979, R. T. Schuh and B. M. Massie, Artemisia tridentata (Asteraceae) , 13 (AMNH). Nixon, June 20, 1927, E. P. Van Duzee, 13 (CAS). Reno, June 27, 1927, E. P. Van Duzee, 13 (CAS). New Mexico: Dona Ana Co.: 9 mi W of Santa Teresa , May 8, 1999, J. C. Schaffner, Artemisia sp. (Asteraceae) , 283, 14♀ (TAMU). Eddy Co.: Site 11, April 24, 1979, Burke, Delorme, and Schaffner, 63 (TAMU). Site 4, May 23, 1979 – May 25, 1979, Delorme and Corolla, 93, 3♀ (TAMU). Site 7, April 24, 1979 – September 14, 1979, Schaffner et al., 603 (TAMU). Site 8, June 2, 1979 – July 24, 1979, Schaffner et al., 143, 5♀ (TAMU). Hidalgo Co.: Lordsburg, August 23, 1941, 23 (USNM). Lincoln Co.: 5.6 mi NW of Carrizozo, May 15, 1999, J. C. Schaffner, 33 (TAMU). Socorro Co. : 1–2 mi W of Magdalena, August 14, 1982, J. C. Schaffner, Artemisia filifolia (Asteraceae) , 33, 2♀ (TAMU). Oklahoma: Jackson Co.: No specific locality, April 11, 1939, E. Hixson, 43, 4♀ (USNM). Tillman Co.: No specific locality, March 1, 1941, 53, 5♀ (USNM). Oregon: Umatilla Co.: Hermiston, June 13, 1973, Oman and Musgrave, 1♀ (OSU). South Dakota: Fall River Co.: Oelrichs, June 28, 1973, L. A. Kelton, 13 (CNC). Texas: Dallam Co.: Dalhart, May 26, 1964, L. A. Kelton, Artemisia sp. (Asteraceae) , 123, 8♀ (CNC). Utah: Beaver Co.: 4 mi N of Beaver, July 18, 1967, H. R. Burke, 13 (TAMU). Box Elder Co. : 17 mi SW of Snowville, August 27, 1973 – August 27, 1975, 23 (BYU). 6 mi W of Snowville, June 27, 1969 – July 8, 1969, G. F. Knowlton, 43 (USU). Mantua, Devil’s Gate, July 25, 1969, T. L. Whitworth, 13 (USU). S Curlew Valley, June 18, 1969, G. F. Knowlton, 13 (USU). Cache Co.: Sardine Canyon, August 3, 1935, C. F. Smith, 23 (USU). Emery Co.: 2.5 mi W of Rt 24 on Goblin Valley Rd, 5500 ft, June 19, 1983, R. T. Schuh and M. D. Schwartz, Artemisia filifolia (Asteraceae) , 33 (AMNH). Garfield Co.: Jct Rts 95 & 276, 4900 ft, June 18, 1983, R. T. Schuh and M. D. Schwartz, 43 (AMNH). Grand Co.: Colorado River Canyon near Fischer Towers, 4000 ft, May 27, 1978, D. A. and J. T. Polhemus, 93 (JTP). Iron Co. : Cedar City, June 29, 1965, H. H. Knight, 13 (USNM). Rich Co.: Logan Canyon, Bear Lake Summit, August 22, 1998, M. D. Schwartz, 83, 7♀ (CNC). San Juan Co.: Brush Basin Rim Rd., Co. rd. no. 227 0.5 E mp 116, 5700 ft, June 12, 1982, M. D. Schwartz, 33 (AMNH). Rim of Moki Canyon near Halls Crossing, 4000 ft, May 28, 1978, D. A. and J. T. Polhemus, 363 (JTP). Sevier Co.: 11 mi W of Sevier on Rt 4, 2000 m, July 15, 1980, R. T. Schuh and G. M. Stonedahl, Chrysothamnus sp. (Asteraceae) , 103 (AMNH). Richfield, August 24, 1935, G. F. Knowlton, 13 (USU). Summit Co.: Weber Canyon Road, 4.5 mi E of Oakley, August 19, 1986, G. M. Stonedahl, 33 (AMNH). Unknown Co.: Knab Creek, May 23, 1956, G. F. Knowlton, 13 (USNM). Utah Co.: American Fork, June 22, 1891, 1♀ (USNM). Washington Co.: 2 mi NW of Toquerville on Rt 17, 3800 ft, May 25, 1981, M. D. Schwartz, 153 (AMNH). Hurricane, May 18, 1960, B. P. Bliven, 13 (CAS). St. George, 2800 ft, June 30, 1965, H. H. Knight, 13, 1♀ (CNC). St. George, June 30, 1965, H. H. Knight, 53, 5♀ (USNM). Washinton Co.: Leeds Canyon, June 14, 1978, Hanson, Knowlton, 13 (USU). Snow Canyon State Park, T41S, R16W, May 22, 1981 – May 23, 1981, M. D. Schwartz, 183 (AMNH). Wyoming: Carbon Co.: Saratoga, July 29, 1931, H. H. Knight, 13 (CNC).

Europiella pintoi , new species

Figures 2 , 4

DIAGNOSIS: Similar in size and general appearance to E. artemisiae and to darker specimens of E. angulata and E. consors ; distinguished from E. artemisiae by the shorter second antennal segment in the males, and from all three species by the more shaggy appearance of the vestiture of the dorsum. Also possibly confused with large, dark­colored specimens of E. decolor , but E. decolor always small and pale in areas where the distributions of the two species overlapping. Male genitalia distinctive, with apical spines flattened and of moderate and nearly equal length (fig. 4). Sexual dimorphism weak in comparison to most other Europiella spp. , males slightly more elongate than females and with corial margin not so strongly convex.

DESCRIPTION: Male: Moderate­sized, relatively broad­bodied species, total length 3.37–3.55, width pronotum 1.05–1.11. COL­ ORATION (fig. 2): Dorsum appearing mottled, head, pronotum, and scutellum generally dark, dull, base of corium, much of clavus, and base of cuneus pale. Antennae generally dark, although not black. Venter moderately infuscate. Femora pale to dirty colored with some darker spots, tibiae pale with distinct, although small, dark spots at bases of spines. SURFACE AND VESTI­ TURE: Surface as in generic description; vestiture of dorsum noticeably shaggy, with numerous elongate, suberect common setae intermixed with weakly woolly, silvery setae. STRUCTURE: Elongate, corial margin weakly convex. GENITALIA (fig. 4): Pygophore moderately large relative to total size of abdomen; apical vesical spines moderately elongate, of nearly equal length, relatively broad.

Female: Coloration similar to male; body form stouter , somewhat more strongly ovoid. Total length 2.75–3.00, width pronotum 0.92–1.11.

ETYMOLOGY: Named for John D. Pinto, in recognition of his many contributions to our knowledge of the Miridae of the American Southwest through extensive fieldwork and host documentation.

HOST: Artemisia californica , ‘‘ California sage brush’’ ( Asteraceae ).

DISTRIBUTION: Known only from a limited area of southern California.

DISCUSSION: This species has been taken at only four localities in southern California, and along with E. morrisoni , is the least well known of all Nearctic Europiella spp. This, after extensive springtime collecting on appropriate hosts, by John Pinto, myself, and others.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Holotype: 3, CAL. Riverside Co., Menifee Vly (hills on W end), 33°33̍N 117°13̍W, 1800̍ el., IV­10–1979, John D. Pinto, Artemisia californica (Asteraceae) ; deposited in the American Museum of Natural History. Paratypes: USA: California: Riverside Co.: 2 mi N of Perris, E. I. Schlinger, 1♀ (UCD). Quail Valley, Coastal Sage Scrub Community, March 10, 1974, J. D. Pinto, 1♀ (UCR). San Bernardino Co.: 4 mi E of Mentone, 750 m, May 11, 1978, J. D. Pinto, 5♀ (UCR, AMNH). San Diego Co.: Mission Dam, March 16, 1929, C. C. Searl ( Asteraceae ), 23, 4♀ (SDNM, AMNH).

Europiella signicornis Knight

Figures 2 , 5

Europiella signicornis Knight, 1969: 84 (n. sp., descr., host).

DIAGNOSIS: Recognized by the generally pale body coloration and entirely pale antennae (fig. 2), a combination of attributes otherwise found together only in E. pilosula . Sexual dimorphism weak. Separated from E. pilosula by the more ovoid body form in the males in the present species and structure of the vesica, with two, short, acuminate spines of unequal length (fig. 5).

REDESCRIPTION: Male: Relatively small ovoid species, total length 2.73–2.91, width pronotum. 0.91–0.98. COLORATION (fig. 2): Dorsum, including membrane, white; all antennal segments pale; labium pale on basal three­fourths, segment 4 black; all legs pale, femora with some black spots, tibial spines black with tiny black bases; entire venter pale. SURFACE AND VESTITURE: Surface and vestiture as in generic description. STRUCTURE: Body form elongate ovoid. GENITALIA (fig. 5): Pygophore only moderately large relative to total size of abdomen; vesica with short, acuminate, apical spines, the anterior spine longer than the posterior, the posterior spine barely surpassing distal margin of gonopore.

Female: Body form and coloration similar to male. Total length 2.56, width pronotum 0.95.

HOST: Breeds on Artemisia sp. (Asteraceae) .

DISTRIBUTION: Known only from the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

DISCUSSION: Based on available collections, E. signicornis has one of the most restricted distributions of any known Europiella sp. There seems to be little question about its status as distinctive, however, as the male genitalia are unlike those found in any other North American Europiella sp.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Holotype: ♀, Europiella signicornis Knight : ♀, Grand Canyon, Alt. 7000, Ariz., July 22, 1925, A. A. Nichol (USNM). Additional specimens: USA: Arizona: Coconino Co.: Grand Canyon, 7000 ft, June 22, 1925, A. A. Nichol, 43, 1♀ (USNM). Grand Canyon, south Rim, June 27, 1930, R. L. Usinger, Artemisia sp. (Asteraceae) , 13 (UCB). Rt 64 just SE of Grand Canyon Natl. Park in Kaibab National Forest, June 26, 1980, K. and R. Schmidt, Artemisia sp. (Asteraceae) , 193 (AMNH).

Figures

Fig. 2. Habitus views of Europiella spp.: decolor–unipuncta. Habitus of Knightopiella albipubescens. See appendix 1 for localities.

Fig. 4. Male genitalia of Europiella spp.: decolor–pintoi.

Fig. 5. Male genitalia of Europiella spp.: signicornis–unipuncta.