ARS | Publication request: Neostusakia, a new name for preoccupied Stusakia Kment and Henry, 2008 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Berytidae)

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 22, 2009
Publication Date: August 15, 2009
Citation: Kment, P., Henry, T.J., Fryda, J. 2009. Neostusakia, a new name for preoccupied Stusakia Kment and Henry, 2008 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Berytidae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 111:754-755.

Interpretive Summary: Stilt bugs represent a relatively small, worldwide family of both predaceous and plant-feeding insects. A number of species are serious agricultural pests on such crops as tomatoes, causing millions of dollars damage annually, whereas many others are predators of certain pest species, making them potentially important in biological control programs. In conducting research on these bugs, we found a problem with a duplicate name. To eliminate this conflict, we provide a replacement name for this stilt bug group containing two species, both from Africa. This action will stabilize the stilt bug group name and prevent further confusion.

Technical Abstract: A case of homonymy in the heteropteran family Berytidae is addressed. The genus Stusakia Kment and Henry, 2008 (Hemiptera) is preoccupied by Stusakia Frýda, 1998 (Mollusca: Gastropoda). As a consequence, the replacement name Neostusakia, new name, is proposed. In addition, the only two included species are transferred to Neostusakia: N. picticornis (Noualhier), new combination, and N. planicapilla (Štusák), new combination.