Niesthrea rostrata 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 : 24-25

Niesthrea rostrata Melo and Henry sp. nov. ( urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:318AA1C9-7E2E-4A81-8F04-05DB0EBC5FEC )

( Figs. 4E and 10C–D )

Diagnosis

Niesthrea rostrata sp. nov. is one of the most distinct species of the genus in having the translucent cells on the hemelytra and the basal third of the membrane fumate, the dorsum with large dark brown to reddish-brown blotches contrasting with a yellowishbrown to orange-tinged head ( Fig. 4E ), the fuscous pro-, meso-, and metasternum, and large red blotches on the abdomen; the long labium that extends well onto abdominal segment IV; and the male genitalia. The parameres ( Fig. 10C ) are distinctly triangular with only a small basal denticle, the median lobe is broadly flared apically and has the constricted middle margins crenulate or roughened on some specimens, and the height of the broad-based lateral lobes and parameres is subequal, the lateral lobes, sometimes appearing shorter, depending on the angle viewed.

This species keys to couplet 18 based on the shape of the triangular parameres with only small denticle at the base of each and the extremely long labium extending to abdominal segment IV. The parameres are somewhat similar to those of N. fenestrata ( Fig. 8E ); however, in N. fenestrata , they are broader apically (less triangular) and smooth on the inner surface, lacking any indication of denticles. In addition, in N. fenestrata , the lateral lobes are higher than the parameres (and lower than in N. rostrata sp. nov.), the labium extends to only the base of abdominal segment III, and it lacks the fumate translucent areas on the hemelytra.

Description

Head: Yellowish brown to brown, often with an orange tinge, with dark brown between ocelli and median line of frons, vertex and frons with numerous dark-stained punctures and large pit-like depressions; with numerous, long, erect, brown setae. Labium: Extending well onto middle of abdominal segment IV. Antenna: Segment I yellowish brown, with a dark reddish-brown V- or U-shaped dorsal mark and a line on inner ventral surface; segments II and III dark brown to dark reddish brown, with ventral surface of segment III more narrowly pale, each segment with long erect setae, about two times diameter of segment; segment IV, uniformly dark brown, with numerous, short, semierect setae. Pronotum: Dirty yellowish brown, with large, irregular blotches and spots of fuscous and dark reddish brown, especially along the pale median line, with numerous, erect setae. Scutellum: Yellowish brown, basal half with two large, dark, reddish-brown blotches on either side of median line. Hemelytron: Claval and corial cells fumate, veins pale yellowish brown, with numerous elongate spots, apex of corium dark reddish brown to fuscous; membrane translucent smoky brown, appearing dark on basal third against dark dorsum of abdomen. Ventral surface: Thorax pale yellowish brown, pro-, meso-, and metapleural areas red, sternal areas along labial groove black; abdomen largely red, with posterior margin of sternite III, and posterior and anterior margins of sternite V, and lateral margins bordering connnexivum pale yellow. Legs: Yellowish brown; femora with four or more dark brown bands; front tibiae with dark brown spots, middle and hind tibiae with incomplete bands and spots on basal three fourths, fuscous on distal one-fourth; claws and distal halves of tarsomeres fuscous, bases of tarsomeres yellowish brown. Male genitalia: Paramere ( Fig. 10C ): Distinctly triangular, with a distinct denticle at base. Median lobe ( Fig. 10C ): Broad, constricted basally, with broadly flared apical processes. Lateral lobe ( Fig. 10D ): Relatively short, stout, extremely broad at base in lateral aspect.

Figures

Fig. 4. Adult male habitus images of Niesthrea spp. (A) N. lateroloba, sp. nov. (B) N. louisianica Sailer. (C) N. parvaloba, sp. nov. (D) N. pictipes (Stål). (E) N. rostrata, sp. nov. (F) N. sidae (Fabricius). (G) N. similis Chopra. (H) N. truncata, sp. nov. (I) N. ventralis (Signoret).

Fig. 10. Niesthrea male genitalia. (A–B) Niesthrea pictipes (Stål): (A) Ventral view. (B) Lateral view. (C–D) N. rostrata, sp. nov.: (C) Ventral view. (D) Lateral view. (E–F) N. sidae (Fabricius): (E) Ventral view. (F) Lateral view. (G–H) N. similis Chopra: (G) Ventral view. (H) Lateral view.

Fig. 8. Niesthrea male genitalia.(A–B) N. dentata Chopra:(A) Ventral view.(B) Lateral view.(C–D) Niesthrea digna Chopra:(C)Ventral view.(D) Lateral view.(E–F) N. fenestrata (Signoret): (E) Ventral view. (F) Lateral view. (G–H) N. flava Grillo and Alayo: (G) Ventral view. (H) Lateral view.