Mexico Mexico Field Trip Field Trip 20042004

The Institute of Biology served as the home base for our visit to Mexico.

PI Schuh sorted and organized the collections in the Institute of Biology over a period of three days.

Pictured from left to right Ella Massie-Schuh, Luis Cervantes, PI Schuh and Harry Brailovsky with our field vehicle.

Ernesto Barerra of the Institute of Biology served as our guide in the states of Puebla, Vercruz & Tlaxcala.

Cervantes, Schuh & Brailovsky survey a typical volcanic landscape in central Mexico.

Field work in central Mexico concentrated on the Miridae fauna of Quercus (oaks). One of several species sampled is shown here.

Most species of Orthotylinae and Phylinae are restricted to the catkin flowers of Quercus which are ordinarily produced at the same time as new vegetative growth.

Mature catkins with newly emerging leaves on a large-leafed oak.

PI Schuh samples a narrow-leafed oak species.

PI Schuh aspirates specimens from the beating net.

Ella & Toby discuss their catch.

Luis searches his net for specimens of Miridae from a large-leafed oak.

A species of Reuteroscopus, a diverse genus mostly found in Mexico was collected on Barkleyanthus salicifolius a commonly encountered species Asteraceae in central Mexico.

Mexico Trip Results:Mexico Trip Results:

• ~1,500 plant bugs collected~1,500 plant bugs collected

• 3 or 4 new species were discovered3 or 4 new species were discovered

• ~20 host plants documented~20 host plants documented

Photo taken from Xalapa of Pico de Orizaba