''Phyllomorpha laciniata'' (the golden egg bug) is a species of coreid bug, and one of only two members of the genus ''

Phyllomorpha ''Phyllomorpha'' is a genus of mostly European coreid bugs, sometimes referred-to as golden egg bugs. Species The ''Coreoidea Species File'' lists: # '' Phyllomorpha lacerata'' Herrich-Schäffer, 1835 # '' Phyllomorpha laciniata'' (Villers, 178 ...

''. They are specific to the host plant ''

Paronychia argentea ''Paronychia argentea'' (Algerian Tea) is an herbaceous plant from the family Caryophyllaceae that grows in sandy areas, ways, abandoned fields and dry terrains. Description It is an annual species with procumbent habits, which reaches 30&nb ...

''. It is noted for its habit of laying its eggs on other members of its species, who act as mobile nests (oviposition substrate). These co-opted egg carriers provide more protection for the eggs than laying them at static locations on plant leaves or stems. While ''Phyllomorpha laciniata'' females can and do lay eggs on their host plant, the availability of suitable egg carriers seems to stimulate the deposition of mature eggs.

Taxonomy

This species was formally described by Charles Joseph de Villers in 1789, under the name ''Cimex laciniatus''.

References

External links

* Phyllomorphini Insects of North Africa {{coreidae-stub