Macropsis elaeagnicola Dubovsky 1966

Macropsis elaeagnicola Dubovsky, 1966

Figs. 15–16, 142–154, 164–168

Description. Body pale greenish, of exactly same colour as young twigs and leaf underside of host, Elaeagnus angustifolia (Fig. 15).

Abdominal apodemes of 2nd tergite in male elongate, strongly convergent, separated by oval notch, usually with more or less expanded tips almost touching each other (Figs. 142–144). Sternal apodemes slender, with parallel inner margins and slightly convergent tips, separated by broad rectangular notch (Figs. 145–146).

Pygofer processes almost straight, comparatively broad (Figs. 151–152). Penis in side view narrow, its proximal part (before bend) is shorter than the distal one (Figs. 149–150). Styles with elongated and pointed tips (Figs. 147–148). 2nd valvulae of ovipositor with 3+4 or 4+4 small preapical teeth (Figs. 153–154).

Body length (including tegmina): ♂, 3.0–3.3 mm; ♀, 3.6–3.9 mm.

Nymph covered with sparse setae, pale green with minute dark dots and brown pattern darkest in the dorsal part and fading on body sides (Figs. 16).

Differs from poplar- and willow-feeding Macropsis species by narrow penis in side view. Differs from other Palaearctic Macropsis species by pale greenish coloration and unmarked head, pro- and mesonotum. Superficially similar to M. elaeagni Emeljanov, 1964, but differs from it by longer tergal apodemes and more slender sternal ones, elongated and pointed style tips, smaller size, calling signal pattern and nymph covered with sparse setae (densely pilose in M. elaeagni).

Material examined. 2― Kyrgyzstan, foothills of Chatkal Mtn. Range, Kara-Suu River Valley 2–3 km downstream from Ak-Jol Village, Elaeagnus angustifolia, D. Tishechkin, 12. VII. 2009, 2 ♂, 1 ♀, 3 nymphs, calling signals of 2 ♂ recorded on disk at 21–22o C (ZMMU). 3— Kyrgyzstan, 20 km North-North-East of Tashkumyr, A. Alexeev, 9. VII. 1982, 1 ♂, 3 ♀ (ZIN). 4― Uzbekistan, ca. 25 km W of Andijon, environs of Altynkul’, 1. VIII. 1961, G. Dubovskiy, 2 ♂, 1 ♀ (ZIN). 5— Kyrgyzstan, foothills of Ferghana Mtn. Range, Kara- Unkyur River Valley in the environs of Taldy-Bulak Village, 29 km NE from Bazar-Korgon, Elaeagnus sp., 16. VII. 1991, G. Anufriev, 2 ♂, 1 ♀ (coll. Anufriev).

Host. Elaeagnus angustifolia.

Calling signal. Signal consists of repeated phrases usually lasting from 3–4 to 7–8 s each. The phrase includes two parts with somewhat different temporal pattern (Figs. 164–168).

Distribution. Foothills and midlands of Chatkal, Ferghana, and Alay Mtn. Ranges (Kyrgyzstan), Ferghana Valley (Uzbekistan).

Remarks. Was described from SE foothills of Alay Mtn. Range. Interpretation of species is based on primary description and investigation of the material from several localities in Ferghana Valley and in foothills and midlands of West Tien Shan. Elongated and pointed style tips mentioned in the original description (Dubovskiy, 1966: 98, fig. 23, 16) is a key character for properly identifying this species.

The species name derives from the name of the host plant, Elaeagnus, however it was originally published as “ M. eleagnicola ”. According to article 32.5.1. of the ICZN (1999) it should be changed to “ M. elaeagnicola ” with the same date and author.