melancoryphus

Melanocoryphus is a genus of true bugs in the family Lygaeidae, subfamily Lygaeinae. It includes several species distributed primarily in the Palearctic region. Members are seed bugs that feed on the seeds of a range of plants and are typically found in open habitats.

Adults are small to medium-sized, typically 6 to 9 millimeters long, with an elongated oval body. Coloration is usually brown or gray with pale markings on the hemelytra. Wings are present in adults, and the forewings often show distinctive patterns in some species.

Ecology and behavior: They are phytophagous and commonly occur on herbaceous vegetation in grasslands, meadows, and scrub. They feed on seeds from various plant families, including Asteraceae and Fabaceae. While not generally major agricultural pests, some species can affect cultivated seeds in localized situations.

Distribution and diversity: Melanocoryphus species are primarily Palearctic, with records across Europe and temperate Asia, and occasional occurrences in North Africa. The genus includes multiple species, with Melanocoryphus albomaculatus being one of the better known.

Taxonomy and references: Melanocoryphus is placed in Lygaeidae, subfamily Lygaeinae, within the order Hemiptera. For taxonomic details, consult regional checklists or comprehensive catalogs such as the Catalogue of Life. Further information can be found in entomology references and regional field guides.