Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: September 14, 2004
Publication Date: January 10, 2005
Citation: Henry, T.J., Silva De Paula, A. 2005. Rhyparochromomiris femoratus: a remarkable new genus and species of cylapinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) from Ecuador. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 112:176-182
Interpretive Summary: Plant bugs represent a family of insects that contains numerous agricultural pests, as well as many predators important in biological control. The behavior and feedings habits of many, however, are not well understood. The hosts and habits of bugs related to the new plant bug treated in this paper are among the most poorly known. Most are thought to be predaceous but some may feed on fungal spores. Several species are known to feed on beetle larvae in tree-inhabiting fungi or on fly and beetle larvae infesting loose bark. The new genus and species described in this paper possesses characters unlike any other known member of the group. This paper provides detailed morphological information that will assist a broad array of scientists in better understanding the relationships, evolution, and feeding habits of these enigmatic bugs.
Technical Abstract:
A remarkable new cylapine genus and species, Rhyparochromomiris femoratus, is described from specimens taken in canopy-fogging samples in Orellana Province, Ecuador. This new myrmecomorphic taxon is unique in the Miridae in having greatly enlarged forefemora, five-segmented antennae in both sexes, and unusual male genitalia. A description, dorsal and lateral photographs of the adult male and female, antenna, foreleg, and claw, and illustrations of the male genitalia are provided to help distinguish this new mirid from other Cylapinae.
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