Niesthrea conicoloba Melo and Henry, 2019

Melo, María Cecilia & Henry, Thomas J., 2019, Revision of the New World Scentless Plant Bug Genus Niesthrea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhopalidae), with Descriptions of Six New Species and a Key to the Species, Insect Systematics and Diversity 3 (5), No. 9, pp. 1-36 : 11

Niesthrea conicoloba Melo and Henry sp. nov. ( urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:3DCD983A-9901-459E-88A7-41A937A92B58 )

( Figs. 3D and 6G–H )

Diagnosis

Niesthrea conicoloba sp. nov. is distinguished by the transversely broad parameres ( Fig. 6G ) with a slender, erect outer process and a large, decurving, basal denticle; the distinctly rounded or conical median lobe; and relatively short, laterally broad lateral process subequal to height of parameres. The labium extends to the base of abdominal segment III.

The parameres of N. conicoloba are most similar to those of N. josei . This new species differs in having the basal denticle of the paramere curving downward (vs more elongate and horizontal in N. josei ), the median lobe distinctly conical (vs relatively narrow and weakly flared apically in N. josei ); and the height of the lateral lobes and parameres subequal (vs much lateral lobe much higher in N. josei ). Description

Head: Yellowish brown, with numerous, evenly spaced, small red spots, with scattered, long, erect, pale, bristlelike setae. Labium: Extending to base of abdominal segment III. Antenna: Segment I yellowish brown, with reddish-brown, inverted, V-shaped mark along entire length in dorsal aspect and a single reddish-brown line along inside ventral margin; segments II and III yellowish brown, each with a narrow, dark brown line along entire length, with long, scattered setae, some two or more times diameter of segment; segment IV uniformly brown. Pronotum: Yellowish brown, with evenly spaced, small, red spots, with scattered, erect, pale setae, some bristlelike. Scutellum: Yellowish brown, with evenly scattered, small, red spots. Hemelyron: Claval and corium cells clear, veins and apex of corium yellowish brown, with red spots; membrane clear. Ventral surface: Yellowish brown, with mostly evenly scattered, red spots; dorsal half of mesopleura with a large red blotch; spots laterally on abdomen sometimes coalescing to form slightly larger blotches. Legs: Yellowish brown, femora with large, dark brown spots, some forming larger blotches and bands, tibiae with large dark brown spots. Male genitalia: Paramere ( Fig. 6G ): Transverely broad, deeply excavated dorsally, outer margin with a long, erect outer process and a broad decurving inner process. Median lobe ( Fig. 6G ): Broadly conical, without dorsal lateral processes. Lateral lobe ( Fig. 6H ): Broad and hook dorsally at apex.

Figures

Fig. 3. Adult male habitus images of Niesthrea spp. (A) N. agnes Chopra. (B) N. brevicauda Chopra. (C) N. choprai, sp. nov. (D) N. conicoloba, sp. nov. (E) N. dentata Chopra. (F) N digna Chopra. (G) N. fenestrata (Signoret). (H) N. flava Grillo and Alayo. (I) N. josei Göllner-Scheiding.

Fig. 6. Niesthrea male genitalia. (A–B) Niesthrea agnes Chopra: (A) Ventral view.(B) Lateral view. (C–D) N. brevicauda Chopra:(C)Ventral view. (D) Lateral view. (E–F) N. choprai, sp. nov.: (E) Ventral view. (F) lateral view.(G–H) N. conicoloba, sp. nov.: (G) Ventral view. (H) Lateral view.