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Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/4/2006 Publication Date: 4/5/2007 Citation: Henry, T.J. 2007. A newly discovered brazilian species of the stilt bug genus jalysus (heteroptera: berytidae)associated with myrmecophytes. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 109:324-330. 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, whereas many others are predators of certain pest species making them potentially important in biocontrol programs. The new species of stilt bug treated in this paper is described to provide a name for three Brazilian colleagues, who are studying its association with two species of ant-loving plants. These plants have specialized leaf pouches that serve as nesting sites for two species of ants. In turn, the ants defend the plants from plant-feeding insects. This paper will be of interest to biological control workers studying plant-predator systems and other researchers investigating the mechanisms of ant and plant relationships and how competing organisms affect them. Technical Abstract: The newly discovered stilt bug Jalysus ossesae, the smallest known species of the genus, is described from specimens collected near Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, on two myrmecophytic plants of the genus Maeita (Melastomataceae) associated with two species of ants (Formicidae). A diagnosis, description, photographs of the adult male, scanning electron photomicrographs of selected structures, and illustrations of male genitalia are provided to facilitate recognition. A discussion of the relationship with certain species of the genus is given. |
