Asarcopus palmarum
El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
Coordinates: 31.735410, -106.303603
May 24, 2016
Size: 3 mm
Found on the leaflet axils or midveins (at the bottom and on the inside of the “V” shape) in close proximity where they meet the rachis of a Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis). They were more abundant in the lowest third section of the frons
I suspected that this bug might be Asarcopus palmarum, but I had not seen images or illustrations of this species possessing fully developed wings. Dr. Charles Bartlett, Curator, University of Delaware Insect Research Collection Planthoppers of North America, said the following in regards to these images:
“You have found the long-winged form of Asarcopus palmarum which I had never seen before. Most planthopper species that are brachypterous will produce macropters under the right conditions – but (depending on the species) may be uncommonly observed. For many planthoppers macropters will be produced when the population is high or when food quality is declining (or a percentage of the population will be long-winged irrespective). I have seen long-winged caliscelids but not often and generally only with the more common species. It would be a good idea to keep some for the TAMU collection.”
Determined by Salvador Vitanza
Confirmed by Charles Bartlett