Corresponding author: Guanyang Zhang (
Academic editor: Pavel Stoev
The New World assassin bug genus
In the current study seventy-one species are treated and twenty-four described as new. Five species are removed from
The taxonomic history of
A series of works by Stål greatly changed the generic limits of
However, the subgeneric groups were raised to the generic rank by
Uhler listed a species of
The generic and subgeneric definitions of Stål were also used by
In his study of the
In his Ph.D. dissertation
Recent taxonomic activities on
During the course of this study, 10,626 specimens were examined and databased. Among those, 4,833 are males, 5,626 are females and the remainders are immatures or with sex undetermined (usually because of missing abdomen). Specimen loans were kindly provided by museums or collections listed in Table
Information of type specimens of described, valid species, when available, were reported in the 'Materials' section of each species, as holotype, lectotype or neotype.
Distributions were based on specimen records captured in the current study. We have gathered the largest samples ever known of all species, which represent the best available knowledge of the distributions of the species of
Length measurements
Total length: length of body from clypeus to apex of hemelytron Clyp-Abd: Clypeus-abdomen (length from clypeus to apex of abdomen) Head (length of head from clypeus to collar of anterior pronotal lobe) AntOc: Anteocular (length of anteocular region of head, from clypeus to anterior margins of eyes) PostOc: Postocular (length of postocular region of head, from posterior margins of eyes to collar of anterior pronotal lobe) AntPron: Anterior pronotal lobe (length from collar to transverse sulcus of pronotum) PostPron: Posterior pronotal lobe (length from transverse sulcus of pronotum to posterior margin of posterior pronotal lobe) Scut: Scutellum (only exposed part measured, from posterior margin of pronotum to apex of scutellum) Scap: Scape Ped: Pedicel Antn3: Antennal segment 3/Basiflagellomere (the basiflagellomere tends to be curled and in that case two or several consecutive measurements were taken and their sum was used) Antn4: Antennal segment 4/Distiflagellomere Profem: Profemur Protib: Protibia Mesofem: Mesofemur Mesotib: Mesotibia Metafem: Metafemur Metatib: Metatibia Lb1: 1st visible labial segment (this is actually homologous to the second labial segment in other heteropteran insects, and Lb2 and Lb3 are homologous to the third and fourth segments. See Lb2: 2nd visible labial segment Lb3: 3rd visible labial segment
Width measurements
Head (width from outer margin of one eye to that of the other) InterOcDi: Interocular distance (width from inner margin of one eye to that of the other) AntPron: Anterior pronotal lobe (width across the widest part) PosPron: Posterior pronotal lobe (width between humeral angles, not including processes) Abd: Abdomen (measured at the widest part of the abdomen) Profem: Profemur (measured at median point) Mesofem: Mesofemur (measured at median point) Metafem: Metafemur (measured at median point)
This publication is registered in ZooBank. In accordance with the 2012 Amendment to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature regarding electronically published works (
This genus is distinguished from other genera of the New World
Native to (except for Chile) and throughout the New World, including the Caribbean, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. One species (
We provide a non-exhaustive account of the biology of various species of this genus. As with other harpactorines, species of
Several species of
The generic limit of
The genus that we are uncertain about its relationship with
Except for several pairs or complexes of closely related species, identification of males can be almost always unambiguously performed based on exposed genitalic structures such as paramere and medial process, further corroborated with phallic structures, external morphology and coloration. Identification of females of many species, where females appear to be as distinct as males, is straightforward based on coloration and external morphology. However, identification can be difficult for closely related species, where females are indistinguishable based on external morphology. In these cases, association of males and females and identification of females were primarily based on collecting event information. Sexual dimorphism presents another special challenge. While most species show limited sexual dimorphism that does not go beyond minor size and coloration differences, some species exhibit pronounced differences between the sexes (see Material and Methods for discussion of association of male and female specimens). Based on the observation that species in closely related genera do not exhibit strong sexual dimorphism, we here hypothesize that pronounced sexual dimorphism is a derived condition within
We find here that previous subgeneric groups are based on superficial resemblance and these are not adopted. Instead, we recognize eleven species groups in the current study, based primarily on characters of the male genitalia, but also on non-genitalic external morphology if those characters can be applied to both sexes. Several species for which only females are known are therefore not assigned to a species group. Although the groupings proposed here are not based on a cladistic analysis, they show a degree of congruence with the relationships recovered in the phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data in
1.
Members of this group have a rather broad, indistinct medial process, the base of which is nearly continuous with or inseparable from the ventral rim of the pygophore. We speculate that this character represents a plesiomorphic condition as it is seen in several other genera of the New World
2.
This is a group of species with primarily a North American distribution, with some species extending to northern Central America. The males show an apically expanded paramere and a triangular medial process that has a protrusion at the base but lacks any apical modifications. Notably,
3.
Members of this group, consisting of only two species, exhibit a highly unique paramere and a medial process of the pygophore. The paramere is slender and apically curved dorsad at an angle of nearly ninety degrees. The medial process, as is especially evident in
4.
This is a group of smallish species with quite variable distributional ranges. The defining characters include a slender, laterally compressed medial process that is curved or recurved, and an acute apex of the dorsal phallothecal sclerite (except in
5.
Members of this group are restricted to the Caribbean. They can be easily recognized by the rather slender body form. The posteriorly directed, robust medial process with a somewhat blunt apical protrusion is also distinctive of this group. The basal plate arms are widely separate and diverging and these features are rare in other species in the genus. They show resemblance to species of the
6.
The two members of this group are very likely sister species since they share a number of unique characters: the apex of the medial process is greatly bent ventrad and hooklike, the lateral margin of the dorsal phallothecal sclerite is recurved dorsad and the basal part of the strut is absent. Both species are mainly distributed in North and Central America, but
7.
This is one of the two largest groups in the genus (the other being the
8.
This and the next species group (
Species of the
10.
This is another large group with ten species. Interestingly, most (seven) are new species. It is characterized by having an acute apical modification usually in the shape of a hook on the medial process and the conspicuous medial carination of the apical part of the dorsal phallothecal sclerite. The condition of the apical modification of the medial process differs from that in the
11.
Two diagnostic characters identify members of this group. The medial process possesses a broad ridge-like projection or carina that initiates from the apex and extends ventrally or is removed from apex. The second feature is the apically oriented lateral sharp processes or projections on the dorsal phallothecal sclerite. These are not to be confused with the lateral expansion seen in the
Because of the heavy emphasis on male genitalic characters for grouping species, four species described only from females are not placed in any of the species groups defined in the above. These are:
Five species are removed from
Figs
The nearly colorless cells of the membrane of the hemelytron contrast markedly with the dark veins, making
Males can also be recognized by the medial process laterally compressed, posteriorly directly and almost horizontal (also seen in the
A unicolourous near-black dorsum, including the head, the pronotum and the corium, separates
From Greek
South America (Fig.
Figs
Can be recognized by the uniform pale coloration, the unpatterned legs (Fig.
Among species of the
Southern Mexico to northern South America and part of Brazil (Fig.
Figs
Among the species of
Among species of the
North and Central America (Fig.
Although this species shows very little morphological variations, color patterns within an area do vary considerably. The dark area at the posterior margin of the longitudinal medial sulcus of the anterior lobe, which serves to easily distinguish
Most specimens examined have been collected from moderate to high altitudes.
Figs
Recognized by the following combination of characters: the posterior pronotal and corium dark green; the legs with four to five alternative yellow and black bands; the head, pronotum, scutellum and corium with moderately dense, black, erect, spine-like setae; the rather long and slender legs, the profemur 1/2 of body length; the rather long postocular lobe, enlarged at posterior 3/4; and the quadrate cell on corium rather slender, length more than 2x width.
Males can also be recognized by the long paramere, reaching apex of medial process; the apex of paramere recurved; the medial process apically with two lateral sharp projections; the membranous sclerite between paramere and medial process, not distinctly protruding posteriorly; and the dorsal phallothecal sclerite with lateral expansion close to basal arm, sharp, dorsad.
South America (Fig.
Figs
As with several members of the
Named after the type locality, Antigua, in Guatemala.
Southern Mexico and Guatemala (Fig.
Figs
The large and robust body, the dorsal coloration usually bright, yellow or red with black, the medial process short and relatively slender are characteristic to
The only species with which
South America (Fig.
Figs
Can be readily recognized by the uniformly brown dorsal coloration; the darkened tibial apex; the humeral angle elevated to level of disc; the dorsal setae on head and pronotum appearing somewhat golden, shining when viewed under magnification. Males can also be recognized by the gradually enlarged paramere; the triangular medial process, curved slightly posteriad in the middle, apex with a hooklike projection; and the dorsal phallothecal sclerite with short, dorsad projections sub-laterally.
The species epithet indicates the somewhat reddish tone of the coloration.
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the following combination of characters: the anterior pronotal lobe dark brown and the posterior pronotal lobe orange; the 1A an Pcu not intersecting, short crossvein between them; the long and slender, cylindrical medial process; the medial process apically folded posteriad; and the rather long paramere.
Named after the Brazilian state Bahia, where the holotype was collected.
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the following combination of characters: the posterior pronotal lobe usually orangish-brown; the rather long paramere, apex obliquely truncate; and the medial process nearly straight, curvature small. Among the males of the
Named after N. Banks, the collector of the type specimen.
Southern Central America and northern South America (Fig.
Known only from Cuba.
Two male specimens are known from Cuba, which were not physically examined, but the original description and illustration provide a strong basis for placing this species in the
Figs
Recognized by the uniform dark brown coloration; the extremely long postocular lobe; and the rather broad medial process, apex emarginate in the middle and bearing a pair of ventrally directed projections.
Named after Casi.
South America (Fig.
Several characters of
Figs
The rather slender body form makes this species easy to separate from other species that occur in the same geographic region. Males can also be recognized by the paramere apically greatly enlarged; the medial process apically curved ventrad, hooklike; the lateral margin of the dorsal phallothecal sclerite recurved.
South Atlantic and Gulf Coast states of the United States, southeastern Arizona, most of Mexico, Central America and Northern Colombia (Fig.
Hart (1986) stated that, based on male genitalic characters and pilosity,
The
Figs
Can be recognized by the following combination of characters: the long, erect, fine setae on head, anterior pronotal lobe, pleura and sternites; the stout and short head and the nearly hemispherical postocular lobe; the short paramere, not exceeding medial process; the medial process short and triangular, apex as hooklike process, extending ventrally as transverse ridge; and the apical surface of dorsal phallothecal sclerite medially with keel-like elevation.
South America (Fig.
Figs
The strongly contrasting black dorsal surface and red abdomen is distinctive of this species. The features of the genitalia are rather similar to those of other species in the
This species epithet is a patronym, in honor of entomologist George C. Champion (1851-1927), who authored several volumes on Rhyncophora (
Central and South America (Fig.
No natural history or ecological knowledge is known, but we hypothesize that the strikingly contrasting black and red coloration is at the same time cryptic and aposematic, and may also be mimetic. Based on observations of other species, we know that low vegetation is a common habitat of members of this genus. In a dense forest, predators from above may confuse the black dorsum of
The type specimen of this species was originally described as the male of
The following is a translation of the original description:
"Closely related to the preceding species [
This species was originally described from a single specimen from Mexico. The original description did not indicate its sex. Champion’s synonymy was apparently based on the description and not upon examination of the specimen. Attempts to locate the holotype were unsuccessful. From the above original description it is impossible to determine whether this species may be synonymous with
Figs
Among species of the
Southern Central America, northern South America and Southern Brazil (Fig.
Mayr (1866) synonymized
Figs
The nearly uniform brown dorsal coloration; the dorsum with short, erect, somewhat spine-like setae; and the posterior margin of the pronotum smoothly convex. The paramere short, broad; the apical part of medial process laterally compressed and ridged on the anterior surface; the posterolateral rim of pygophore with lightly sclerotized expansion below paramere; and the basal plate arm separate, not fused. In females the dorsum is nearly uniformly brown, the lateral and ventral surfaces yellowish, the legs apically reddish-brown, not conspicuously banded and the abdominal segment with single dark spot.
Named after the type locality "Cordillera" in Peru.
South America (Fig.
Figs
The connexivum segment VI with foliaceous expansion is unique among all females of
South America (Fig.
Figs
May be confused with
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the following combination of characters: the dorsal coloration nearly uniformly dark brown, the head reddish-brown, and the membrane with indistinct iridescence. Most similar to
South America (Fig.
Figs
As with some species of the
Mexico to Panama (Fig.
Figs
The rather unique dorsal color pattern easily distinguishes this species from all other species in the genus.
Southern Central America and northern South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the entire body dark brown, the posterior pronotal lobe slightly lighter and somewhat reddish, the legs without bands; the humeral angle projected into spinous process. Distinguished among species of the
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the strongly contrasting black dorsum and yellow abdomen, the rather short postocular lobe, and the Sc not reaching apex of cubital cell. Other diagnostic characters shared with members of the
The species epithet means 'soot' or painted black, referring to the black dorsal coloration of this species.
Northern South America (Fig.
Figs
The posterior pronotal lobe usually orangish-brown; the medial process rather long, much longer than paramere; and the anterior side of medial process keeled medially at apex. In females the dorsal surface is nearly uniformly brown, the lateral and ventral surfaces yellowish, and the quadrate cell and proximal margin of postcubital cell yellowish.
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the posterior pronotal lobe orangish-brown; the legs uniformly blackish-brown, without bands; the humeral angle rounded; and the head and pronotum with spine-like setae (last two characters shared with species of the
From Latin
South America (Fig.
Figs
This is the only species in the genus with the margins of the eye exceeding outlines of the head both dorsally and ventrally. Compared to other species of the
The species epithet combines
Known only from type locality in Guatemala (Fig.
Can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: Humeral angle without or with minute processes; head and legs predominantly reddish; abdominal segments usually banded; pronotum with erect, nearly spine-like setae. Males can also be recognized by the paramere greatly curved at middle and distinctly tapered apically; the medial process curved and directed posteriad; and the dorsal phallothecal sclerite constricted and the apex truncate, without emargination. The only species within the range of
From Mexico to Panama (Fig.
There is a great amount of size and color variations in
Figs
Among species of the
South America and adjacent islands of the Caribbean (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the slender, curved, laterally compressed, and apically tapered medial process (shared with members of the
Panama and Northern South America and adjacent islands of the Caribbean (Fig.
Hart (1987) designated a neotype for
Figs
The humeral angle rounded and the pronotum lacking conspicuous spine-like setae are diagnostic of this species. Most other species with unarmed humeral angle also have spine-like setae on pronotum and are in the
Southern Central America and northern South America (Fig.
Coloration variations are mainly seen on the pronotum. The two males from Panama show similar coloration, the central 1/3 of the pronotum being lighter than the margins. The Colombian male, however, has a nearly unicolorous pronotum. The females from Panama have pronotal coloration ranging from reddish-brown to brown, the lighter color apparently being more common. The single female from Colombia has the lighter pronotum while that of the Peruvian specimen is dark brown. The lectotype and two paralectotypes exhibit the lighter coloration. The banding patterns of the legs appear to be somewhat variable in Panama, the only area from which several specimens are available for comparison.
Figs
Among closely related species in the
Southern Texas to Central America (Fig.
It is rather difficult to distinguish
Figs
The dorsal surface of posterior pronotal lobe uniformly dark brown. The paramere gradually enlarged, somewhat club-shaped; the medial process with ridge-like medial elevation through apical 1/2.
South America (Fig.
Figs
The posterior margin of the pronotum and the scutellum yellowish, strongly contrasting to the remaining dark brown dorsal surface, makes this species easily recognizable among all species of
The specific epithet indicates that this species is rather similar to
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the nearly uniformly dark brown dorsum; the abdomen light-colored, pale yellowish-brown; the posterolateral rim with lightly sclerotized expansion between paramere and medial process; the medial process curved at middle; the anterior surface of the medial process carinate; the apex of the medial process hooklike, the curvature of paramere small; the dorsal phallothecal sclerite with strong carination at apical part, the lateral expansion close to basal arm. Most similar to
South America and adjacent islands of the Caribbean (Fig.
Figs
The strongly convex pronotum distinguishes this species from most other species of the genus. The males can be distinguished by the relatively small size (mean 10.82 mm); the dorsum of the posterior pronotal lobe usually with lighter colored, pale brown, with medial stripe; the broad, pentagonal, apically angulate medial process; the short, blade-like process on dorsal phallothecal sclerite; and the ridge mesad to the blade-like process. In females the head, pronotum and corium are usually orangish-brown to reddish.
Southern Central America (Panama) and South America (Fig.
The type material of
Figs
The black dorsal and red ventral coloration is distinctive of this species. Other diagnostic characters include the legs uniformly black and the posterior pronotal lobe with medial depression.
South America (Fig.
According to Dr. Heinz Wundt at ZSM (pers. comm.), the type material for this species was destroyed during World War II. The original description lists this species from the Amazon River. As this is such a distinctive species, it is not felt that neotype is needed.
Figs
Recognized by the large and slender body and the posterior pronotal lobe bearing a pair of tubercles. Males can be easily recognized by the black coloration with white markings on scutellum and abdomen and females yellowish or reddish with black spots and markings. Among males of the
The specific epithet is a patronym, named after Dr. James Lewis, in honor of his contribution to the curation of
Central America (Fig.
Figs
Among species in the
Southwestern Mexico (Fig.
Figs
Although highly variable, the black and red coloration is distinctive of
Southern parts of US, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Northern South America, Paraguay and Southern Brazil (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the following combination of characters: Yellow-green to green-black; apices of femora with reddish or brown bands; disc elevated above humeral angle. As with other members of the
North America (Fig.
This is one of the most commonly collected species in this genus.
Figs
Distinguished by the small size; the robust form, the humeral angle rounded, without projection; the profemur much longer than the metafemur (1.20x); the profemoral length being less than 20.0x the profemoral width (16.94x). The paramere base not distinctly constricted; the medial process slender, apex angulate and bearing subapical medial protrusion; the presence of blade-like process on dorsal phallotheca and the process not extending beyond mid-point.
South America (Fig.
Figs
The humeral angle rounded; the pronotum with spine-like setae; and the colors usually consisting of yellow, orange, red and black. The anterior pronotal lobe is rather small, margins not laterally expanded, nearly continuous with lateral margins of posterior lobe, dorsally nearly flat, not bulging. The small anterior lobe together with the regularly sized posterior lobe gives the pronotum a triangular appearance. Most similar to
Southern Central America and South America (Fig.
On the basis of the spine-like setae on the head and pronotum and the rounded humeral angle,
This species appears to have a highly variable color pattern in all areas of its distribution. The clavus and corium range from entirely brownish-black to almost entirely light yellowish-brown. The dorsum of the pronotal lobe may be entirely brownish-black, but is usually variably patterned brownish-black and reddish-brown.
Figs
Dark brown coloration predominating dorsally in most specimens, posterior pronotal lobe laterally yellowish. Among species that have overlapping distributions (Southern Mexico and Central America), the coloration of
Southern Mexico and Central America (Fig.
Figs
This species can be readily recognized by the small size (<10.2 mm) and the disc of the posterior lobe with spinous tubercles. The medial process is broadly triangular, apex without modification (shared with the
Southern Central America, South America and adjacent islands of the Caribbean (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the conspicuous black and yellow color pattern, resembling vespid wasp; and the meso- and metafemora with at least three dark bands three yellow bands. Among males of the
Central America (Fig.
Figs
The slender, cylindrical paramere and the laterally compressed medial process can separate males of this species from most other species of the genus. Difficult to distinguish from
Mexico, Central America and South America (Fig.
This is by far the most widespread species of the
The following discussion on some of the diagnostic characters may be useful for separating species when confusions arise, but as we have not clearly defined the boundaries between
It remains unresolved if
Both the types of
Figs
Recognized by the orangish or reddish head and the dark brown remainder of the body. The short, nearly straight medial process and the short paramere separate males of this species from all other species of the same species group. The yellowish or reddish ventral surface and the usually yellowish or reddish (blackish-brown in some specimens) lateral surface distinguishes females of this species from others in the same group.
Named after the country Panama, where the holotype was collected.
Southern Central America and northern South America (Fig.
Figs
The dorsal coloration nearly uniformly dark brown, the head reddish-brown, the membrane with indistinct iridescence are characteristic of this species. Most similar to
South America (Fig.
Figs
The slender, cylindrical paramere and the laterally compressed, blade-like medial process can separate this species from most other species of the genus. Different from
South America and adjacent islands of the Caribbean (Fig.
Some helpful, although not consistently reliable, characters used to distinguish females of
The coloration of the posterior pronotal lobe is the most obvious variable character in the males. This varies from a very light to a medium reddish-brown in any given geographic area. This pronotal variation is absent in the females, the dorsal surface varying from a relatively uniform light to medium brown in any geographic area.
Figs
The dorsum predominantly yellow with the posterior pronotal lobe partly black and two black spots on hemelytra is distinctive of this species.
South America (Fig.
Figs
Distinguished by the greenish coloration; the veins of membrane darker than the cells; the smallish size; the rather slender body and very delicate legs; the head somewhat dorsoventrally flattened; and the eye somewhat elongated. Males can be separated from most species of
South America and adjacent islands of the Caribbean (Fig.
Figs
The rather slender body form of
Males can be recognized by the robust, posteriorly directed medial process, apex bent and the short, cylindrical paramere. This is smaller in
The Caribbean, islands of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola (Fig.
Figs
Can be recognized by the reddish corium; the remainder of the body surface greenish; the humeral angle with small subtuberculate projection. More robust than a very similar species,
Western and Southwestern US, most of Mexico and Central America (Fig.
Figs
The uniquely reddish coloration of the entire body makes this species easy to recognize. The medial process is highly reduced and rather indistinct, separating
The specific epithet indicates the reddish-pink coloration of this species.
South America (Fig.
Figs
The combination of relatively large size, stout body, the reddish head and parts of body can separate both sexes of this species from other species of
Southern Mexico to Northern South America (Fig.
Figs
The dorsal coloration nearly uniformly dark brown, the head reddish-brown, and the membrane with blue or green iridescence. Most similar to
The species epithet refers to the reddish-brown area on the membrane.
South America (Fig.
Figs
The specific epithet is from
Central America (Fig.
The primary basis for placing
Figs
This species can be recognized by the pronotum bicolorous, anterior lobe yellowish and posterior lobe dark brown; the humeral angle with long spinous process. Similar to females of
Central America and South America (Fig.
Figs
The rather slender body form of
The Caribbean, the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the dorsal coloration nearly uniformly brown, somewhat reddish and the posterior pronotal lobe medially depressed. Among males of the
Southern Mexico and Northern Central America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the disc of the posterior pronotal lobe with large conspicuous tubercles and the greyish-black coloration. Males can also be recognized by the medial process broadly triangular; the paramere not exceeding medial process; and the dorsal phallothecal sclerite apically with deep emargination.
North America, Central America and parts of South America (Fig.
Besides
Figs
The uniquely slender, recurved medial process can distinguish this species among the members of the
Named after F. S. Truxal, the collector of the type specimen.
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the body surface greenish-brown; the area of hemelytron adjacent to the quadrate cell dark brown, inversely U-shaped in appearance; the head short and stout (L/W=<2.1) ; the ocellus situated on conspicuous elevation (the same set of characters are also present in
The specific epithet indicates its close resemblance to
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the body surface greenish-brown; the area of hemelytron adjacent to the quadrate cell dark brown, inversely V-shaped in appearance; the head short and stout (L/W=<2.1) ; the ocellus situated on conspicuous elevation (the same set of characters are also present in
The specific epithet is from Latin "umbra", referring to the shadow in the anterior part of the membrane.
South America (Fig.
Figs
Can be easily identified by the unique coloration pattern, the posterior pronotal lobe medially black and laterally orange. Distinguished among members of the
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the following combination of characters: The posterior margin of posterior pronotal lobe with expansion laterad to scutellum; the rather long, spinous process on humeral angle; the smallish body size; the paramere short; the apical part of medial process compressed laterally, anterior side ridge-like; and the apex of medial process re-expanded, not acute.
South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the following combination of characters: the posterior pronotal lobe usually lighter than the anterior pronotal lobe, orangish or reddish-brown; the paramere bulbous, basally constricted, curved towards medial process; the medial process triangular, apex with pair of processes; the dorsal phallothecal sclerite with submedial ridge-like dorsad projection continuous from basal arm; and the basal plate arms subparallel and strongly curved. In females the posterior pronotal lobe is often bicolorous, anterior portion yellowish and posterior portion brown.
South America (Fig.
The type specimens of
Figs
The generally wasp-like coloration pattern can separate this species from most other species of the
Central America and Northern South America (Fig.
Figs
Recognized by the following combination of characters: the slender body and delicate legs, the dorsal coloration somewhat reddish; the humeral angle elevated nearly to the level of and nearly continuous with pronotal disc; the paramere uniquely shaped, long, exceeding medial process, apex somewhat obliquely truncate; and the medial process apically not compressed.
From Greek
Central America (Fig.
This species appears to be the most divergent of the
Figs
The extremely slender body form separates this species from most other species of
The Caribbean. Known only from Cuba (Fig.
Based on the description and figure of
1 | Apex of medial process without ventrally or posteriorly directed hook, projection or fold (Figs |
|
– | Apex of medial process with ventrally or posteriorly directed hook, projection or fold (Figs |
|
2 | Medial process triangular, broad at base, if slender, paramere apically enlarged; anteroposteriorly compressed (Figs |
|
– | Medial process with lateral margins subparallel or narrowly triangular; base not conspicuously broadened; laterally compressed or blade-like throughout or in apical 1/2 (Figs |
|
3 | Medial process basally nearly continuous with rest of pygophore, base not protruding posteriorly. Paramere apically not enlarged or slightly enlarged (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process basally readily separable from rest of pygophore; base prominent and protruding posteriorly. Paramere expanded apically in some species (Fig. |
|
4 | Medial process slender, laterally compressed, dorsally oriented, at about forty-five degree angle to body axis (except in |
|
– | Medial process stout, posteriorly oriented, nearly parallel to body axis (Fig. |
|
5 | Apex of medial process strongly curved ventrally to form hook-like process or lip-like fold (Figs |
|
– | Apex of medial process not curved or weakly curved ventrally (Figs |
|
6 | Medial process laterally compressed; apex strongly curved ventrally, clearly hook-like. Paramere apically expanded, slightly curved dorsally (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process cylindrical or broad at base; not laterally compressed; apex curved, lip-like rather than hook-like (Fig. |
|
7 | Apex of medial process with distinct, acute, hook-like process or ridge-like elevation (Figs |
|
– | Apex of medial process with indistinct process or weak curvature, not forming sharp projection (Figs |
|
8 | Medial process dorsally directed and apical 1/3 not curving posteriorly; usually anteroposteriorly compressed; base broad in some species; ridge-like elevation on posterior surface, usually extending ventrally and elevated, removed from apex and appearing as pair of projections in some species (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process long, slender, stalk-like; somewhat laterally compressed; lateral margins subparallel, base not broadened or slightly broadened; gradually curving and directed posteriorly in apical 1/3 or 1/2; apex with short, acute, hook-like process or sharp fold (Fig. |
|
9 | Medial process extremely slender, usually long (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process stout, relatively short (Figs |
|
10 | Large (>13 mm), robust. Apex of medial process with pair of minute projections (Fig. |
|
– | Medium-sized (<12 mm), elongate. Apex of medial process with inconspicuous folding (Fig. |
1 | Posterior pronotal lobe disc bears pair of tubercles. |
|
– | Posterior pronotal lobe disc without tubercles. |
|
2 | Smallish, 7.8-10.1 mm. Legs delicate. Head and parts of pronotum orangish-brown. Paramere clearly exceeds medial process (Fig. |
|
– | Length 11.3-13.7 mm. Greyish-brown to brownish-black. Paramere removed from or reaching medial process, never exceeding (Fig. |
|
3 | Entire surface reddish-brown (Fig. |
|
– | Pale brown (Fig. |
|
1 | Humeral angle raised to level of, and usually continuous with, disc of posterior pronotal lobe. |
|
– | Humeral angle clearly below level of, and not continuous with, disc. |
|
2 | Medial longitudinal sulcus of anterior pronotal lobe with dark brown area near posterior margin. Femora usually with dark apical bands. Parameres in fresh or relaxed specimens not achieving apex of medial process (Fig. |
|
– | Medial longitudinal sulcus of anterior pronotal lobe same color as surrounding area at posterior margin, any dark areas present very small. Femora apically reddish-brown, not forming distinct bands. Paramere in fresh or relaxed specimens achieving or surpassing apex of medial process (Fig. |
|
3 | Paramere spatulate apically, compressed; apical portion about 2x width of cylindrical basal portion (Fig. |
|
– | Paramere slightly expanded apically, apical portion less than 2x width of base. Medial process triangular, base broad and protruding posteriorly. |
|
4 | Eyes prominent, extending below ventral surface of head. | |
– | Eyes moderate, not extending below ventral surface of head. |
|
5 | Anterior pronotal lobe usually 1/2 or greater of length of posterior pronotal lobe; if slightly less than 1/2, profemoral length less than 20x profemoral diameter. Protrusion at base of medial process moderate (Fig. |
|
– | Anterior pronotal lobe less than 1/2 length of posterior pronotal lobe; profemoral length 20x or more profemoral diameter (C.A.). Protrusion at base of medial process more prominent (Fig. |
1 | Paramere curved strongly medially and recurved apically (Fig. |
|
– | Paramere straight or only slightly curved. Medial process dorsally directed. Brown, abdomen without banding. |
|
2 | Medial process exhibiting pronounced curvature posteriorly about 1/3 of distance from base, then recurved toward dorsum about 3/4 distance from base. |
|
– | Medial process blade-like, straight; any curvature toward posterior weak. |
|
3 | Labial segment I and coxae medium brown to brownish-black. Paramere nearly straight, any curvature weak (Fig. |
|
– | Labium and coxae light yellowish-brown. Paramere medially curved ventrally (Fig. |
|
4 | Basal plate arms fused. Pygophore as in Fig. |
|
– | Basal plate arms not fused, separate in specimens from S.A., tendency to fuse in C.A. and Mexico. Pygophore as in Fig. |
1 | Dorsal surface entirely black. Abdomen brown, yellow or red. |
|
– | Dorsal surface with orange and dark brown areas on pronotum or hemelytron. Abdomen typically orange or reddish with terminal segments dark brown; variations exist. |
|
2 | Abdomen brown, not brightly yellow or red. Cells of membrane conspicuously less pigmented than veins. Postocular lobe with longitudinal lateral patch of whitish recumbent setae. | |
– | Abdomen brightly yellow or red. Cells of membrane same color as veins. Postocular lobe without lateral whitish setae. |
|
3 | Abdomen red. Paramere medially curved ventrad (Fig. |
|
– | Abdomen yellow. Paramere slightly bent near base, straight in remaining part (Fig. |
|
4 | Dorsal surface of pronotum medially dark brown, laterally orange-brown. Paramere removed from apex of medial process, medially curved ventrad (Fig. |
|
– | Coloration of pronotum not as described above; anterior lobe dark brown and posterior lobe orange-brown in some specimens. Paramere straight, apex oblique (Fig. |
1 | Relatively robust. Humeral angle of pronotum widened; body length 5.5x or less of width through humeral angles. Apical hook of paramere more prominent (Fig. |
|
– | Very slender. Humeral angle not conspicuously widened; body length greater than 5.5x width through humeral angles. Apical hook of paramere less prominent (Fig. |
1 | Medial process long and slender (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process short and broad (Fig. |
1 | Head reddish-brown. Dorsal surface of pronotum and corium brownish-black. Membrane of hemelytron pale brown or blue or green iridescent. Legs brownish-black, without banding or with inconspicuous bands. | 2 |
– | Head brown, yellow, or black, sometimes with stripes. Dorsal surface uniformly brown or with light-colored areas, mainly on pronotum or corium. Membrane brown, not iridescent. Legs with or without banding. | 4 |
2 | Medial process very slender, diameter less than that of paramere (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process broad, diameter greater than that of paramere. |
|
3 | Medial process twice as broad as paramere (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process only slightly broader than paramere. Paramere bent ventrally near base, not recurved (Fig. |
|
4 | Medial process very broad; lateral margins parallel or converging basally. |
|
– | Medial process triangular; lateral margins converging apically, base broader than apex. |
|
5 | Length less than 11.4 mm. Medial process apex broader than base, apex acute, medially not notched (Fig. |
|
– | Length more than 12 mm. Medial process lateral margins parallel, apex notched in middle (Fig. |
|
6 | Posterior surface of medial process with ridge-like elevation, extending ventrally, not across width of medial process (Figs |
|
– | Posterior surface of medial process with hook-like process, across width of medial process; if extending ventrally, as pair of dentate processes. |
|
7 | Posterior margin of posterior pronotal lobe yellowish, much lighter than remaining surface of the lobe. Paramere strongly curved downward, width more or less uniform, abruptly constricted at base (Figs |
|
– | Posterior pronotal lobe uniformly colored, dark brown. Paramere with basal 1/2 nearly straight, only curved in apical 1/2, gradually expanded toward apex (Fig. |
|
8 | Humeral angle raised to level of, and nearly continuous with, disc. Short, light, shining recumbent setae dorsally on head and pronotum. Medial process long, longer than parameres; base very broad (Fig. |
|
– | Pronotal disc clearly elevated above humeral angle. Medial process narrowly triangular, shorter or subequal in length to paramere. Paramere constricted at base and somewhat bent ventrad. |
|
9 | Humeral angle rounded. Medial process long, upright (Fig. |
|
– | Humeral angle with spinous or dentate process. Medial process relatively short, semi-erect. |
|
10 | Medial process posterior surface with pair of processes near apex (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process apex hook-like, entire, not discontinuous as pair of projections (Fig. |
1 | Paramere achieving or surpassing apex of medial process. |
|
– | Paramere not achieving apex of medial process. |
|
2 | Reddish-brown. Femora without banding. Paramere curved ventrally, apex recurved slightly dorsally (Fig. |
|
– | Anterior pronotal lobe dark brown, posterior lobe yellowish-brown. Femora dark brown, with two yellowish bands. Paramere straight (Fig. |
|
3 | Medial process shorter than or at most subequal in length to paramere. |
|
– | Medial process at least 1.1x length of paramere. |
|
4 | Head orangish or reddish. | |
– | Head brown or dark brown. |
|
5 | Postocular lobe with longitudinal yellowish stripe. Medial process about as long as paramere (Fig. |
|
– | Postocular lobe without stripe. Medial process less than 0.8x length of paramere (Fig. |
|
6 | Paramere diameter constant through apical 3/4 or only slightly expanding. |
|
– | Paramere expanded apically, enlarged portion in lateral view much greater than diameter of medial process. |
|
7 | Medial process bent in middle (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process nearly straight, curving gradually. Paramere diameter constant or weakly expanding. |
|
8 | Medial process posteriorly directed, at less than forty-five degree angle to horizontal axis (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process erect, at larger than forty-five degree angle to horizontal axis (Fig. |
|
9 | Medial process narrowed apically in lateral view (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process slightly expanded subapically in lateral view (Fig. |
1 | General coloration greenish or yellowish pale brown, rather uniform. Legs without banding. |
|
– | Not as described above, consisting of typically two or more different colors; if uniformly colored, then dark brown or blackish-brown. Legs typically banded; if unbanded, then uniformly blackish-brown. |
|
2 | Paramere long, achieving or surpassing apex of medial process (Fig. |
|
– | Paramere removed from apex of medial process. |
|
3 | Disc of posterior pronotal lobe strongly bulging. Paramere slender; diameter of basal 1/2 less than that of medial process in lateral view (Fig. |
|
– | Disc slightly bulging, nearly flat. Diameter of paramere greater than that of medial process in lateral view (Fig. |
|
4 | Disc of posterior pronotal lobe depressed in middle. |
|
– | Disc bulging or flat. |
|
5 | Dorsal coloration predominantly brownish-black, with various reddish areas; venter reddish; white waxy exudation usually conspicuous dorsally and laterally (Southern S.A.). | |
– | Entire surface testaceous-brown (Mexico and C.A.). | |
6 | Paramere long, more than 2x length of median process. |
|
– | Paramere short, less than 2x length of median process. |
|
7 | Dorsal coloration brownish-black; femora without or with few indistinct bands. Disc of posterior pronotal lobe bears pair of tubercles (C.A.). | |
– | Dorsal coloration yellow-green; legs conspicuously annulated. Disc without tubercles (Northern S.A.). | |
8 | Humeral angle raised nearly to level of, and almost continuous with, disc. | |
– | Humeral angle clearly below level of disc. |
|
9 | Medial process relatively robust. |
|
– | Medial process delicate. |
|
10 | As viewed posteriorly, diameter of medial process less than 1.5x ocellar diameter, slightly larger than that of paramere (Fig. |
|
– | Medial process broad, diameter near middle at least 1.5x ocellar diameter (Fig. |
|
11 | Head reddish-brown. Paramere very delicate (Fig. |
|
– | Head dark brown, sometimes with stripes. Apical portion of paramere obviously thicker than medial process (Fig. |
1 | Paramere more than 2x length of medial process in lateral view, surpassing medial process by a moderately large margin. |
|
– | Paramere less than 2x length of medial process, achieving or slightly surpassing medial process. |
|
2 | Coloration consisting of reddish-brown and brownish-black, locations and relative amounts highly variable. Paramere diameter more or less constant (Fig. |
|
– | Coloration mainly of yellow and dark brown, posterior pronotal lobe orangish-brown. Paramere medially slightly constricted (Fig. |
|
3 | Body elongated. Medial process long (Fig. |
|
– | Body not as elongated as that of |
1 | Postocular lobe with dorsal and ventral surfaces nearly parallel through anterior 2/3; height at middle of lobe and through ocelli subequal. Medial process short (Fig. |
|
– | Dorsal surface sloping downward from ocelli, height at middle of lobe less than 0.9x that through ocelli. Medial process moderately long (Fig. |
1 | Anterior pronotal lobe dorsally with short, dense, erect, spine-like setae on well-defined setal tracts. Humeral angle usually rounded, some armed. |
|
– | Anterior pronotal lobe dorsally with fine setae or nearly bare, any spine-like setae sparse; setal tracts not necessarily well-defined. Humeral angle usually armed, some rounded. |
|
2 | Humeral angle armed with spinous process. Body elongate. |
|
– | Humeral angle rounded, without lateral process. |
|
3 | Dorsal surface of head, pronotum, scutellum and hemelytron nearly unicolorous, dark brown to black. Cells of membrane occasionally lighter in color than veins. |
|
– | Dorsal surface with reddish-brown areas on pronotum and/or scutellum, often with yellowish-brown to reddish-brown areas on clavus and corium and/or basal 1/2 of membrane. |
|
4 | Veins and cells of membrane same color; cranial setae dark (northern S. A.). | |
– | Cells of membrane conspicuously less pigmented than veins; postocular lobe with longitudinal lateral patch of whitish recumbent setae (Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, southern Brazil). |
|
5 | Profemoral length less than 20x profemoral diameter. Quadrate cell short and broad; Pcu of quadrate cell less than 1/2 length of Cu. | |
– | Profemoral length at least 20x profemoral diameter. Quadrate cell elongate, if broad, then Pcu more than 1/2 length of Cu. |
|
6 | Body elongated. Cu and Pcu of quadrate cell subparallel, Cu-Pcu2 (posterior cross vein) less than 1/2x length of Cu. |
|
– | Body not as elongated as that of |
|
7 | Entire membrane colored or opaque. | |
– | Anterior 1/2 of membrane clear or semi-translucent. | |
8 | Compound eyes extending below ventral surface of head. |
|
– | Compound eyes not extending below ventral surface of head. |
|
9 | Posterior margin of pronotal disc with two tubercles. Humeral angle with spinous process. |
|
– | Posterior margin of pronotal disc unarmed. Humeral angle armed or unarmed. |
|
10 | Tubercles of pronotal disc pronounced. More than 13 mm in length. |
|
– | Tubercles very small, minute in some specimens. Thirteen mm or less in length. (Southern C.A. and Northern S.A.) |
|
11 | Large, 22-25 mm. Head, pronotum and abdomen yellow or reddish with dark spots or irregularly shaped patches (C.A.). | |
– | Medium-sized, 13-16 mm. Pronotum and abdomen more or less unicolorous, greyish (N.A., C.A., southern S.A.). | |
12 | Posterior pronotal lobe, as viewed from behind, with posterior margin sloping sharply downward on either side of scutellum (northern S.A.). |
|
– | Posterior pronotal lobe, with posterior margin straight or sloping gradually (not appreciably more than forty-five degrees) downward on either side of scutellum. |
|
13 | Head surface reddish-brown, any darker cranial markings with indistinct outlines; remainder of dorsal surface of body primarily dark brown to brownish-black. 13.0-18.5 mm in length. |
|
– | Coloration other than above. Length variable. |
|
14 | Membrane and clavus with bluish iridescence. | |
– | Membrane shining, but not showing bluish iridescence. |
|
15 | Veins of corium anterior to membrane reddish-brown. Postocular lobe with dark semierect to erect setae dorsally. Scutellum bearing light recumbent setae dorsally. | |
– | At least one of the characters not as described above. |
|
16 | Postocular lobe with light-colored, inconspicuous setae dorsally (northern S.A.). | |
– | Postocular lobe with conspicuous dark semi-erect to erect setae (southern C.A. and northern S.A.). | |
17 | Length of postocular lobe less than 0.77x width of head through compound eyes. Postocular lobe with long erect setae over surface. Metafemoral length less than 20x metafemoral width (northern S.A.). | |
– | Length of postocular lobe at least 0.80x width of head through compound eyes; if long setae present on postocular lobe, then not over entire surface. |
|
18 | Anterior portion of posterior pronotal lobe broadly sulcate on dorsal surface; at least 18.5 mm in length. |
|
– | Posterior pronotal lobe not conspicuously depressed medially; if slight depression present, not larger than 17.0 mm in length |
|
19 | General coloration brown; female profemur approximately 0.95x or more diameter of mesofemur (Mexico and C.A.). | |
– | Dorsal coloration reddish-brown and brownish-black; white waxy exudation usually conspicuous dorsally; profemur approximately 0.90x or less diameter of mesofemur (southern and central S.A.). | |
20 | Humeral angle of pronotum rounded; dorsal surface, except dorsum of abdomen, reddish-brown and brownish-black, pattern variable; erect setae predominating on dorsum of pronotum; posterior portion of anterior pronotal lobe conspicuously raised above level of anterior margin of posterior lobe (N.A. C.A., S.A. and Caribbean). | |
– | At least one of the characters not as described above. |
|
21 | Length at least 5x width. Profemoral diameter equal to or greater than that of mesofemur. Mesofemoral diameter less than 1.2x that of metafemur. Tuberculate to small spinous lateral processes on humeral angle. Interocular distance less than 1.15x interocellar distance. |
|
– | At least one of the characters not as described above. |
|
22 | Postocular lobe with dorsal and ventral surfaces nearly parallel through anterior 2/3; height at middle of lobe and through ocelli subequal (Greater Antilles). | |
– | Dorsal surface sloping downward from ocelli; height at middle of lobe less than 0.9x that through ocelli (Greater Antilles). | |
23 | Length at least 5.5x width. |
|
– | Length less than 5.5x width. |
|
24 | Length 12.5 mm or greater (Southern U.S., Mexico, C.A. and northwestern S.A.) | |
– | Length less than 12.5 mm (9.11-12.00 mm). |
|
25 | Anteocular lobe at least 1.25x length of postocular lobe. Body length at least 7.2x width (Cuba). |
|
– | Anteocular lobe less than 1.25x length of postocular lobe. Body length less than 7.2x width (S.A.) | |
26 | Humeral angle rounded. Less than 14 mm in length. |
|
– | Humeral angle with at least small tubercles or spines; if tubercles and spines not readily evident, at least 14 mm in length. |
|
27 | Profemoral length at least 20x profemoral width (S.A. and southern C.A.). | |
– | Profemoral length less than 20x profemoral width (Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay). | |
28 | Length usually less than 4.0x width; if length greater than 4.0x and less than 4.5x width, profemoral diameter greater than that of mesofemur. |
|
– | Length usually at least 4.0x width; if length less than 4.0x width, mesofemoral diameter greatest. |
|
29 | Length usually at least 4.0x width; if length less than 4.0x width, mesofemur enlarged, diameter greatest. | |
– | Mesofemoral diameter less than that of profemur, if mesofemoral diameter greatest, then never exceeding 1.1x that of profemoral diameter. |
|
30 | Length of anteocular lobe at least 1.1x that of postocular lobe. Rostral segment II less than 1.35x length of segment I. Dorsal coloration uniform, pale brown, somewhat greenish. Legs not banded (Mexico, C.A. and S.A.). | |
– | Anteocular lobe less than 1.1x length of postocular lobe. Rostral segment II at least 1.35x length of segment I. Dorsal surface is either variously patterned, with contrasting pale and dark regions or uniformly colored, dark brown to black. Legs usually with bands or annulations, or uniformly dark brown to black. |
|
31 | Humeral angle raised to level of, and nearly continuous with, disc (Mexico and C.A.). | |
– | Humeral angle below level of disc; disc clearly elevated. |
|
32 | Setal tracts of anterior pronotal lobe and dorsum of posterior lobe with conspicuous light-colored shining recumbent setae, especially dorsolateral area of lobe; some erect setae also present; setal tracts usually of contrasting color. Length:width ratio approximately 4:1 (Mexico and C.A.). | |
– | Setal tracts and dorsum of posterior pronotal lobe with few, if any, recumbent setae; tracts not usually of contrasting color. Length:width ratio usually less than 3.5:1. |
|
33 | Pubescence distributed evenly over lateral surface of abdominal segments (S.A.). | |
– | Pubescence, except for some scattered setae, restricted to anterior 1/2 of lateral surface of abdominal segments (Mexico, C.A., and northern S.A.). | |
34 | Dorsal surface dark brown to brownish-black. Golden, shining, short recumbent setae dorsally, especially on head and pronotum. Humeral angle raised to level of, and nearly continuous with, disc (central and southern S.A.). | |
– | Dorsal surface usually not dark brown, but if so, then setae not as above. If humeral angle raised, coloration not as dark above. |
|
35 | Humeral angle raised to level of, and nearly continuous with, disc. General dorsal coloration yellowish-brown. |
|
– | Humeral angle below level of disc. If dorsal coloration yellowish-brown as above, then disc clearly differentiated. |
|
36 | Profemoral length at least 22x profemoral width. |
|
– | Profemoral length less than 22x profemoral width. |
|
37 | Medial sulcus of anterior pronotal lobe with dark brown areas near posterior margin (Mexico and C.A.). | |
– | Medial sulcus of anterior pronotal lobe same color as surrounding area of lobe near posterior margin (Mexico and C.A.). | |
38 | Length of rostral segment II less than 1.8x that of segment I. Profemoral length less than 22x profemoral width. Pronotum covered with erect setae dorsally, some setae subequal in length to diameter of shaft of antennal segment I. Humeral angle with very small tuberculate or subtuberculate lateral process (Mexico, C.A., and northern S.A.). | |
– | At least one of the characters not as described above. |
|
39 | Length of rostral segment II less than 2x that of segment I. Profemoral and mesofemoral lengths less than 20x and 11x that of respective widths. Length of posterior pronotal lobe greater 2.4x that of anterior lobe. | |
– | At least one of the characters not as described above. |
|
40 | Profemoral length less than 17x that of profemoral width. Length of rostral segment II less than 2.1x that of segment I. |
|
– | Profemoral length at least 17x of width. Rostral segment II usually greater than 2.1x that of segment I. |
|
41 | Humeral angle with short, inconspicuous subtuberculate to nearly dentate lateral processes, usually same color as surrounding area. Posterior pronotal lobe nearly smooth (Guatemala, Mexico and western and southwestern U.S.). | |
– | Humeral angle with short to moderate, conical, spinous lateral processes, usually darker than surrounding area. Posterior pronotal lobe noticeably rugulose. |
|
42 | Dorsum of postocular lobe with long erect setae on posterior 1/2, some longer than ocular-ocellar distance (C.A.). | |
– | Any erect setae on dorsum of postocular lobe shorter than ocular-ocellar distance (Canada, U.S. and Mexico). | |
43 | Length greater than 4.5x width. Humeral angle with very short inconspicuous, spinous lateral processes. Dorsum predominately dark brown to brownish-black except for light to dark reddish-brown to brown posterior pronotal lobe, but lighter than anterior lobe (Mexico and C.A.). | |
– | At least one of the characters not as described above. |
|
44 | Posterior pronotal lobe with single broad dark brown transverse band posteriorly or pair of bands anteriorly and posteriorly, remaining dorsal surface of pronotum yellowish, with or without band. |
|
– | Coloration of pronotum not as described above, brown or stramineous coloration predominating dorsally, anterior pronotal lobe same color as or lighter than posterior lobe. |
|
45 | Anterior pronotal lobe and anterior part of posterior lobe with dark bands; wasp-like appearance. | |
– | Anterior pronotal lobe and anterior portion of posterior pronotal lobe of same yellowish color. |
|
46 | Transverse dark band on pronotum does not cover posterior margin of posterior pronotal lobe, which is instead yellowish. |
|
– | Transverse dark band on pronotum covers posterior margin of posterior pronotal lobe. |
|
47 | Femoral yellowish-brown with only small darker markings near apices (central and northern S.A.) | |
– | Femora yellowish-brown on basal 1/3 to 1/2; remainder dark brown to brownish-black, usually with one or two narrow yellowish bands (S.A.). | |
48 | Pubescence of lateral surface of posterior pronotal lobe consisting almost entirely of erect setae, many longer than diameter of shaft of antennal segment II (S.A.). | |
– | Majority of setae on lateral surface of posterior pronotal lobe semi-erect to recumbent, no erect setae as long as diameter of shaft of antennal segment II (southern C.A. and northern S.A.). | |
49 | Length >14 mm. Anterior pronotal lobe lighter than or same color as posterior lobe. |
|
– | Length <13 mm. Anterior and posterior pronotal lobes same color. | |
50 | Anterior pronotal lobe yellowish, lighter than posterior lobe. |
|
– | Anterior pronotal lobe brown, same color as posterior lobe. |
|
51 | Femora unicolorous or with indistinct single bands. Anterior pronotal lobe elevated. | |
– | Meso- and Metafemora with two or three dark bands. Anterior pronotal lobe nearly flat, not elevated. | |
52 | Meso- and metafemora apical half more or less continuously reddish-brown, not broken into bands. Abdominal sternites each bearing a small black spot. | |
– | Meso- and metafemora apical half with three indistinct but visible reddish-brown bands; abdominal sternites yellow, without black spots. |
This key is not organized by species group, as females do not readily display characters placing them to species groups. It is especially challenging or sometimes impossible to distinguish females of species in several species groups. Large series of co-occurring males and females will be helpful in these cases. Coloration is heavily used to key out females, and readers are reminded that some species exhibit a wide range of color variations and the exemplar habitus images provided in this work are not inclusive of all variants.
Financial support is provided primarily by the NSF grant “Partnership in Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy” (PEET) #0933853 awarded to C. Weirauch. Additional financial support comes from the Robert van den Bosch Scholarship (Center for Biological Control, University of California, Berkeley) and the Dissertation Year Fellowship (University of California, Riverside) awarded to G. Zhang. The following individuals assisted with imaging, databasing or measurements: Tracy Castaneda, Nick Duncan, Isaac Esquivel, Rochelle Hoey-Chamberlain, Erika Olson, Elizabeth Romero, Kaleigh Russell, Laura Soto, Amanda Villareal and Haris Yu. Jean-Michel Bérenger kindly provided the habitus images of
Male genitalic structure terms (
List of museums/collections
|
|
|
AMNH | American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA | Ruth Salas/Randall T. Schuh |
BMNH | Natural History Museum, London, UK | Mick Webb |
BPBM | Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Honolulu, USA | |
CAS | California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, USA | Norman D. Penny |
CUIC | Cornell University Insect Collection, Ithaca, USA | Rick Hoebeke/James Liebherr |
FMNH | Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, USA | James Boone |
FSCA | Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Florida Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, USA | Susan Halbert |
ICN | Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia | Carlos Sarmiento |
IEXA | Instituto de Ecologia, Xalapa, México | Luis Cervantes |
INBIO | Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, San José, Costa Rica | James Lewis |
KU | Snow Entomological Museum, University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA | Zachary H. Falin |
LACM | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, California, USA | Weiping Xie/Brian Brown |
MEFLG | Museo Entomológico Francisco Luis Gallego, Medellín, Colombia | John Albeiro Quiroz |
NHMW | Natural History Museum of Vienna, Vienna, Austria | Herbert Zettel |
NHRS | Sweden Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden | Gunvi Lindberg |
RMNH | Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum (formerly Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie), Leiden, Netherlands | Yvonne van Nierop |
TAMU | Texas A&M University Insect Collection, College Station, USA | Edward G. Riley |
UCB | Essig Museum of Entomology, University of California, Berkeley, USA | Cheryl Barr |
UCD | Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California, Davis, USA | Steve Heydon |
UCR | Entomology Research Museum, University of California, Riverside, USA | Douglas Yanega |
UMSP | University of Minnesota Insect Collection, St. Paul, USA | Philip J. Clausen |
UNAB | Museo Entomológico, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia | Francisco Serna |
UNAM | Universidad Autonoma de México, Instituto de Biología, México | Harry Brailovsky |
USNM | United States National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC, USA | Michele Touchet/Thomas Henry |
ZMAN | Zoological Museum Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Willem Hogenes |
ZMUC | Copenhagen University Zoological Museum, Copenhagen, Denmark | Henrick Enghoff |
Specimen records of species of
Data type: Occurrences
Brief description: This file contains specimen records of species of
File: oo_91806.xls
Measurements of species of
Data type: morphological, morphological measurements
Brief description: Measurements of species of
File: oo_91807.xlsx