New United States and Florida Heteroptera Records (Hemiptera: Aradidae, Coreidae, Miridae)

Authors: Henry, Thomas; WHITE, C. - Florida Department Of Agriculture; HALBERT, S. - Florida Department Of Agriculture

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/28/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Introduced insects are a continual threat to agriculture in the United States. Thousands of exotic insects are intercepted in international commerce at U.S. ports-of-entry each year. The state of Florida’s subtropical climate and rich plant life make it a hot spot for introductions. On average, 10 adventive or not intentionally introduced insects become established in the state each year, some of which may become serious pests. As a result of an ongoing survey, we provide the first records for eight true bugs in Florida, five of which also represent new U.S. records. Provided for each bug are color photos of the adults, a review of pertinent literature, distribution records, host data, and a diagnosis to aid in identification. This information will be of great interest to state and Federal regulatory agencies, growers, and all researchers working on insects associated with agricultural and ornamental crops.Introduced insects are a continual threat to agriculture in the United States. Thousands of exotic insects are intercepted in international commerce at U.S. ports-of-entry each year. The state of Florida’s subtropical climate and rich plant life make it a hot spot for introductions. On average, 10 adventive or not intentionally introduced insects become established in the state each year, some of which may become serious pests. As a result of an ongoing survey, we provide the first records for eight true bugs in Florida, five of which also represent new U.S. records. Provided for each bug are color photos of the adults, a review of pertinent literature, distribution records, host data, and a diagnosis to aid in identification. This information will be of great interest to state and Federal regulatory agencies, growers, and all researchers working on insects associated with agricultural and ornamental crops.

Technical Abstract: Eight Heteroptera are reported for the first time from Florida, five of which also represent New United States records. New United states records include Brachyrhynchus membranaceus (Fabricus) (Aradidae), Eubule spartocerana Brailovsky (Coreidae), and the Miridae Pycnoderes vanduzeei Reuter, Rhinacloa cardini Barber and Bruner, and Termatophyloides pilosulus Carvalho. Miridae representing New Florida state records only include Rhinacloa callicrates Herring, Sthenaridea maldonadoi Schuh and Schwartz, and Tropidosteptes quercicola Johnston. Color habitus images, a review of the pertinent literature, distribution records, known host information, and a diagnosis are furnished for each to aid in identification.