ARS | Publication request: Update on the establishment of Paragonatas divergens (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) in Florida

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 16, 2008
Publication Date: October 15, 2008
Citation: Dobbs, T.T., Henry, T.J. 2008. Update on the establishment of Paragonatas divergens (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) in Florida. Florida Entomologist. 91:477-478.

Interpretive Summary: Seed bugs are one of the largest families of true bugs, some of which cause millions of dollars damage to certain seed crops, such as peanuts. Others are known to develop enormously large populations that can become a great nuisance in and around homes and commercial establishments. The seed bug reported in this note was previously known in the United States from only one specimen taken in southwestern Florida. Five additional specimens were recently found that predate the original report by 12 years and represent two new county records in Florida, thus, confirming the establishment of this bug in the United States. This information will assist researchers and quarantine officers in distinguishing this species from other seed bugs.

Technical Abstract: Five specimens of Paragonatas divergens (Distant) were located in the personal collection of Vincent Golia, all of which predate the previous earliest United States record based on one specimen collected in southwestern Florida, May 16, 2003. Golia’s collection dates range from January 25, 1991 to April 12, 1997, and represent the first records for Monroe and Palm Beach counties, Florida.