Luiz Alexandre Campos

Stink Bugs (Pentatomidae)

The Pentatomidae, representing the fourth largest family within Heteroptera, are one of the most diverse groups with about 800 genera and more than 4,700 species in the world. In the Neotropics, about 230 genera and 1,400 species are included in seven subfamilies of the world’s nine subfamilies; four subfamilies are exclusively of the Neotropics. In this chapter, for each subfamily, a diagnosis, an overview of the classification, and information on life history, ecology, and economic importance are given. Comprehensive keys and diagnosis to the subfamilies, tribes, and genera for the Neotropical Region, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies, are also given.

Análise cladística e biogeografia de Ochlerini (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Discocephalinae)

A cladistic analysis using 63 characters and 30 genera of the Neotropical tribe Ochlerini Rolston was performed to test their monophyletic condition and to establish a relationship hypothesis. Janeirona Distant, 1911 (Pentatomini) and the tribes Discocephalini and Halyini were included in the ingroup to test their relationship with Ochlerini; Marghita Ruckes, 1964 and Stictochilus Bergroth, 1918 (Pentatomini) were used as outgroups. The obtained strict consensus cladograms indicate that Ochlerini and Discocephalinae are monophyletic groups, but Pentatominae, Halyini+Ochlerini, Pentatomini+Ochlerini, Ochlerus Spinola, 1837, Stalius Rolston, 1992 and Alitocoris Sailer, 1950 are merophyletic groups. Discocephalini and Ochlerini share three synapomorphies: first rostral segment long, attaining prosternum; metasternum with a mesial, longitudinal carina, and dorsal surface of basal third of male proctiger membranous. Ochlerini is supported by one synapomorphy, the flattened dorsal surface of third tarsal segment of hind legs, in females. Biogeographical analysis based on consensus cladograms shows congruent patterns with several vicariant events proposed for the Neotropical region.

Phylogeny of Aphantochilinae and Strophiinae sensu Simon (Araneae; Thomisidae)

This study tests the monophyly of ant‐mimicking Thomisidae (Aphantochilinae and Strophiinae sensu Simon), redefines the composition of these taxa, proposes tribes and discusses aspects of their myrmecomorphy and biogeography. The analysis is based on a matrix composed of 113 morphological characters and 37 terminal taxa (11 Aphantochilinae, 16 Strophiinae and 10 belonging to the out‐group). The 12 most parsimonious trees with 232 steps, obtained with equally weighted characters, support the monophyly of Aphantochilinae sensu Simon. Strophiinae emerges as a paraphyletic group divided into two clades: a basal clade that groups Strophius and Strigoplus (Strophiini new status) and another clade that includes Ceraarachne, Simorcus and Ulocymus (Ceraarachnini new status) as the sister group of Aphantochilus + Bucranium (Aphantochilini new status). Diagnoses are presented for the tribes and genera in this analysis. The synonymy between Bucranium and Aphantochilus is rejected. Majellula and Acracanthostoma are considered junior synonyms of Bucranium, and Synstrophius of Ceraarachne. The monophyly of Synstrophius is not recovered, S. blanci is transferred to Ceraarachne and S. muricatus is transferred to Ulocymus. Ant‐preying behaviour appears to be basal and has been documented for Strophiini and Aphantochilini species. Myrmecomorphy, which was documented for Aphantochilus, is presumably derived. The biogeographical analysis of Aphantochilinae and Strophiinae suggests an ancient relation between Neotropical, Afrotropical and Oriental species, with probable origin after the breakup of Gondwana, that is, in early Paleogene.

Morphology of immatures of Euschistus (Mitripus) grandis (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Immatures are important sources of information about characters, thus potentially improving classification and phylogenies. Euschistus (Mitripus) grandis Rolston, 1978 occurs in southern and southeastern Brazil. There are no references in the literature about this species other than the original description and distribution records. Our aim is to describe the egg and five nymphal instars of E. (M.) grandis, addressing the ontogeny of the external scent efferent system. Specimens of E. (M.) grandis were collected on Solanum pseudocapsicum Linnaeus (Solanaceae) in Sao Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and reared in the laboratory. The egg of E. (M.) grandis is white and barrel-shaped, chorion translucent bearing spines connected by thin sheets forming polygons. Aero-mycropilar processes translucent and slightly clubbed. The nymphs bear anterior dorsal abdominal scent glands (DAG) with slit-like ostiole continued by a short groove; from the second instar onward median and posterior DAGs with rounded ostiole bearing closing cuticular valve. Spout peritreme flat and curved anteriorly, evaporatorium network-shaped surrounding ostiole plus peritrema; alveoli surface with trabeculae. Nymphs of E. (M.) grandis can be distinguished from other species of Euschistus by the color pattern and morphological features. The most striking morphological characteristic of 4th and 5th instar nymphs of E. (M.) grandis is the broad, deflected projection of humeral angles.

Morphology of Immatures of Caonabo pseudoscylax (Bergroth) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Characters of immatures are potentially useful in identifying taxa, but few immatures of Pentatomidae were described. The objectives here are to describe the egg and five nymphal instars of Caonabo pseudoscylax (Bergroth) under light and scanning electron microscopy. Adults, eggs, and nymphs were collected on Homolepsis glutinosa during 2008, in Criciúma (Santa Catarina, Brazil). The egg of C. pseudoscylax is subcylindrical, chorion reddish brown, slightly translucent, and with granulate surface. Aero-micropylar processes translucent, spongy, and strongly clavate. Nymphs without punctures, spiracles placed near the lateral abdominal margin. The dorsal abdominal gland has rounded ostioles bearing cuticular valve; spout peritreme smooth, directed anteriorly; evaporatorium network-shaped; and microsculpture poorly ornamented. Humeral angles of the pronotum were produced from fourth instar. The almost marginal placement of abdominal spiracles may diagnose the nymphs of C. pseudoscylax from first instar to adulthood.

Neotropical Pentatomidae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) of the collection of Massimiliano Spinola preserved in the "Museo Regionale de Scienze Naturali", Turin, Italy

One hundred and forty specimens of Neotropical pentatomids of the Spinola collection were examined and identified and are listed in the present work. Lectotypes are designated for Arvelius gladiator Spinola, 1837; Arvelius laciniatus Spinola, 1837; Audinetella bipunctata Spinola, 1850; Ochlerus cinctus Spinola, 1837; Pentatoma albocostatum Spinola, 1852; Pentatoma dimidiaticollis (Spinola, 1852); Pentatoma unidentatum Spinola, 1852; Schaefferella litigiosa Spinola, 1850, Sympiezorhincus tristis Spinola, 1837; and Thoreyella brasiliensis Spinola, 1850. A lectotype is also designated for Chlorocoris tau, putting aside the previous Neotype designation. The preservation status of each specimen is provided.

Candeocoris bistillatus, new genus and new species of Ochlerini from Ecuador (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).

Recent examination of specimens from Ecuador revealed a series of males and females of an undescribed species clearly belonging to the Discocephalinae. The new species presents characteristics similar to genera of both Discocephalini and Ochlerini, preventing an undoubtful placement of the new species within any genus and tribe. We conducted a cladistic analysis to investigate the possible relationships of the new species within Discocephalinae. The new species was recovered as sister-group to the remaining Ochlerini, supporting the proposition of a new genus, so Candeocoris bistillatus Roell & Campos, gen. n. et sp. n. are described within Ochlerini. The new genus is recognized for its dark glossy aspect, tumid vertex of head, long and sinuous labrum, base of labium placed close to anterior limit of eyes, thick bristles on meso- and metatibiae, pygophore globose, and laterotergites 9 touching each other. The new species is recognized by a large yellow spot on each corium, yellow spots on each segment of the connexivum, bucculae with anterior tooth, laminar projections on superior layer of ventral rim of pygophore, vesica with a single median projection, and broad gonocoxites 8.

Ontogeny of the Dorsal Abdominal Gland External Scent Efferent System in Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)

ABSTRACT Hemiptera success can be partially attributed to their scent glands, which are dorsal abdominal glands (DAGs) in nymphs. Recent studies on Pentatomoidea have described cuticular modifications associated with DAGs, which compose the scent efferent system (SES), but the ontogeny has been poorly documented. We aim to—1) search for new SES characters in two representative species of Pentatomidae; 2) describe the SES ontogeny after hatching; and 3) compare the SES morphology between two species. Adults and immature samples from the first to fifth instars of Chinavia obstinata (Stål) (Pentatominae) and Cyrtocoris egeris Packauskas & Schaefer (Cyrtocorinae) were used as pentatomid representatives. SES structures were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Features that were never evaluated before are described: the scent efferent system orientation, periostiolar flap, periostiolar area, postostiolar projection, and peritreme lip. We observed remarkable differences between the first and second instars in both species, especially for DAGs 2 and 3; from the second to fifth instar, the modifications were subtle. Only the DAG1 scent efferent system persists in adults. The characteristics that present broader morphological diversity in the Pentatomomorpha are the following: peritreme, evaporatorium microsculpture, scent efferent system orientation, and peritreme lip. We conclude that any sample between the second and fifth instars can be used for species description and character extraction. We recommend using both traditional structures and the newly evaluated features in future descriptive and comparative studies for Pentatomomorpha.

Taxonomic notes on Ochlerus : revisiting Herrich-Schäffer's species (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Discocephalinae: Ochlerini)

The status of the three species of Ochlerus Spinola, 1837, described by Herrich-Schäffer in 1844 is reviewed. Ochlerus coriaceus and O. lutosus are removed from the synonymy of O. cinctus Spinola, 1837, while O. sordidus is transferred to Paralincus sordidus. Lectotypes are designated, and photos for each type and new records for O. coriaceus are provided.

Revision of Cataulax Spinola, with Architas Distant as a new synonymy (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Discocephalini)

Five species are here recognized for the genus Cataulax Spinola, 1837: Cataulax eximius (Stal, 1860), Cataulax froeschneri, n. sp., Cataulax pudens (Distant 1889), Cataulax radians, n. sp. and Cataulax subtiliterconspersus, n. sp. Cataulax pudens is transferred from Architas Distant, 1889, here considered a junior synonym of Cataulax. Cataulax annulicornis Walker, 1868, Cataulax punctipes Walker, 1868 and Cataulax subvittatus Walker, 1868 are considered incertae sedis.