taxonID	type	description	language	source
03EC87B2FFE1D47CEB8BFF3B4E5E0DD1.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., by present designation.	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE1D47CEB8BFF3B4E5E0DD1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Valentina gen. nov. can be distinguished from all other genera of Emesinae by the phallus being provided with a pair of lateral elongated arms, folded approximately at midlength and inserted at the apex of the basal plate extension (pedicel). Among the genera of Emesinae, Stalemesa Wygodzinsky, 1966 is the one with which it shares the greatest similarities. These similarities include: small body size; generally brownish coloration; scutellum unarmed; fore tarsus two-segmented, with asymmetrical claws, the inner claw smaller and lacking a comb-like structure; forewing with two closed cells, absence of the r-m crossvein, and pterostigma ending far from the wing apex; hind wing with an m-cu crossvein; male genitalia with pygophore bearing a setose, rounded posterodorsal prominence and strongly curved parameres. However, the two genera can be separated by the following set of characters: 1) Head: strongly compressed dorso-ventrally (Stalemesa) or not, with ante- and postocular portions elevated (Valentina gen. nov.); labium: first visible segment almost reaching the level of the anterior margin of eye (Valentina gen. nov.) or reaching only center of anteocular portion (Stalemesa); first and second visible labial segments subequal in length (Valentina gen. nov.) or second twice longer than first (Stalemesa); third visible labial segment about as long as second (Stalemesa) or longer than the others (Valentina gen. nov.). 2) Thorax: pronotum, in lateral view: raised (Valentina gen. nov.) or somewhat flattened above (Stalemesa); fore lobe of pronotum longer (Valentina gen. nov.) or shorter (Stalemesa) than hind lobe; apex of metanotum with a small acute spine (Valentina gen. nov.) or not spined (Stalemesa); anteroventral series of tuberculate setae on fore femur interrupted at base (Valentina gen. nov.) or not (Stalemesa); hind wing with Cu connected to the first anal vein by a curved crossvein in Valentina gen. nov., whereas this crossvein is absent in Stalemesa. Male genitalia: parameres strongly curved once (Stalemesa) or extensively double-curved (Valentina gen. nov.); medial process of pygophore thin and elongate, apex acute (Valentina gen. nov.) or large, scoop-shaped, with a rounded apex (Stalemesa).	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE1D47CEB8BFF3B4E5E0DD1.taxon	description	Description. Integument generally dull and smooth. Head moderately elongated; anteocular portion about twice as long as postocular portion; vertex elevated. Postocular portion bulbous in lateral view and wider than anteocular portion in dorsal view. Transverse (interocular) sulcus deep, situated at level of proximal half of distal third of eyes; a small depressed area present medially on its anterior margin. Eyes somewhat prominent, laterally projecting, subcircular in dorsal view, reaching dorsal outline of head at level of the interocular sulcus, but distant from the ventral margin of head. Antennae inserted approximately at the midpoint between the apex of head and the anterior margin of the eyes; antennal segments slender, progressively thinner; scape somewhat curved, remaining segments straight; distiflagellomere with apex triangular. Labial segments II (first visible) and III subequal in length, these segments faintly bent in relation to each other; apex of segment II nearly reaching, but not attaining, anterior margin of eye in lateral view; junction between segments III and IV at level of the midportion of eye; segment IV longest. Neck short. Thorax: fore lobe of pronotum 1.5 – 1.6 times longer than hind lobe, subrectangular in dorsal view, shallowly depressed medially; anterolateral projections of collar rounded and prominent; transverse interlobar sulcus well defined, straight, interrupted at midportion. Hind lobe somewhat enlarged toward apical margin; integument conspicuously rugose; humeral angles elevated, rounded. Scutellum with margins moderately elevated, without a spine. Metanotum with a short, acute, median spine directed upward. Forelegs: coxae and fore femora elongated; coxae basally broadened, about half as long as femora; femora thickened. Tibia approximately 0.7 to half times as long as femur, slightly curved, apically somewhat enlarged; distal inner surface somewhat flattened, bearing a small pecten. Tarsi two-segmented, distal segment slightly longer than basal one; in resting position, reposing on gap formed between basal end of anteroventral series and isolated basal tuberculate seta of fore femur; paraempodial setae short. Claws unequal in size, outer claw approximately half as long as inner claw and bearing an incised lamella forming a distinct notch. Middle and hind legs: coxa suboval, narrowing toward distal portion; femora and tibiae long and slender; hind femur surpassing apex of abdomen by approximately its distal half; hind tibiae slightly curved at distal third. Tarsi three-segmented; first and second tarsomeres subequal in length, distal segment slightly shorter. Claws of similar size, curved, with an incised lamella. Paraempodial setae longer than those of forelegs. Forewings with two closed cells, basal and discal cells; basal cell subtriangular, discal cell relatively large, strongly narrowed distally; pterostigma ending far from apex of wing. Hindwings with complete venation, including the presence of an m-cu cross vein. Cu connected to first anal vein by a curved crossvein. Abdomen elongated, suboval in dorsal and ventral views; anterior margin of first tergite acutely produced medially. Male: abdominal tergite VII with posterior margin straight, not extending over dorsal surface of genital capsule. Pygophore corresponding to approximately one fifth of total abdominal length, subrectangular in dorsal, lateral and ventral views; bearing an elongated posteromedial process and a rounded posterodorsal prominence. Parameres symmetrical, very elongated, strongly double-curved at approximately distal third; apex enlarged in dorsal, ventral and posterior views, and acute in lateral view. Phallus symmetrical, with a pair of lateral elongated arms, folded approximately at midlength and inserted at apex of basal plate extension (pedicel).	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE1D47CEB8BFF3B4E5E0DD1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Brazil (State of Minas Gerais).	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE1D47CEB8BFF3B4E5E0DD1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The genus is named in honour of Dr. Valentina Castro-Huertas for her significant contributions to the study of Reduviidae, especially Emesinae. Gender feminine.	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE0D469EB8BFDBB4E7D0F81.taxon	description	Figs. 1 – 12, 15 A – B Description. Male (Figs. 1 – 6). Measurements are provided in Table 1. Coloration. General coloration brownish (Figs. 1 A – B, 2 A – B, D, E, 3 A, D, F, 4 B – K, 5 E); antennal scape, pedicel, basal portion of basiflagellomere (Fig. 1 B), and veins of basal half forewing darkened (Figs. 1 A – B, 4 B – F); pronotum conspicuously pale to whitish medially (Figs. 2 A – B). Additional variably paler areas include: postocular region posterior to transverse sulcus (Figs. 2 A – B, D); area just above fore supracoxal lobes (Fig. 2 B); spine of metanotum (Fig. 2 E); and mesosternum; basal half of fore trochanters (Fig. 2 A); middle and hind trochanters; middle and hind tarsi; tergites, variably pale whitish along their lateral margins (Fig. 4 I); ventral surface of abdominal segment VIII (Fig. 4 J); basal portion of pygophore and its posterolateral prominence (Fig. 4 J). Connexivum and adjacent portions, to a variable extent, faintly marked with reddish tinge in some specimens (Figs. 4 I – J). Forewings generally hyaline, with scattered small grayish markings, more numerous on its basosuperior portion, particularly within cells and between anterior margin and M + Cu veins (Figs. 1 B, 4 B – G). Hindwings and most of their veins hyaline; basal half of anterior margin darkened (Fig. 1 B). Vestiture. Head generally covered by thin, decumbent to suberect setae (Figs. 2 A – D); area just basal to transverse sulcus and distal segments of labrum glabrous (Fig. 2 C). Labium mostly glabrous, with a few rows of shorter setae ventrally on first visible segment and some scattered longer setae on last segment. Antennae generally covered by thin, simple, decumbent setae, more numerous and somewhat longer and thinner on distiflagellomeres; basal half of scape bearing shorter, stout setae. Thorax generally covered by numerous thin, decumbent to suberect setae, with some scattered longer setae (Figs. 2 C – E). Fore lobe of pronotum bearing numerous thin, short, decumbent setae on the dorsal and lateral surfaces, and longer, suberect setae on the ventral surface; posterior lobe with some scattered setae on anterolateral portion; some areas with a reduced number or almost to completely glabrous, such as portions of dorsal surfaces of mesonotum and metanotum (Fig. 2 F), dorsobasal portion of middle and hind coxae, and trochanters. Pro-, meso- and metasternum mostly glabrous, bearing a few rows of minute, dark setae along lateral margins, additionally, meso- and metasternum each with a long, straight, stout seta laterally, just basal to respective coxa (Fig. 2 E). Forelegs. Femur: generally covered with sparse, simple, thin, decumbent setae on dorsal and lateral surfaces; ventral surface bearing slender tuberculate setae in two series, posteroventral and anteroventral, apically transformed into short teeth (Figs. 3 A – C). Anteroventral series interrupted basally, not connected to posteroventral series; one isolated tuberculate seta present basal to interruption (Fig. 3 B), distance between this seta and first seta of anteroventral series somewhat shorter than combined length of both tarsal segments. Tuberculate setae of anteroventral series generally smaller than those of posteroventral series; latter bearing a basal, thin, tuberculate seta separated from a subsequent continuous series composed of approximately five longer and stronger tuberculate setae interspersed among numerous tuberculate shorter setae, these distinctly shorter than femoral diameter; most basal of these stronger tuberculate setae conspicuously larger than following ones (Figs. 3 A – C). Tuberculate setae of anteroventral series generally short, except for isolated tuberculate basal seta, which is longer; first two basal tuberculate setae of series slightly longer than remaining ones (Fig. 3 B). Tibia and tarsus with scattered minute setae on dorsal and lateral surfaces. Tibia: ventral surface bearing a single median series of small, adpressed, knife-like tuberculate setae, absent at basal portion (Figs. 3 B – D); dorsal surface with a small submedian basal group of short to long, thin to somewhat stout, curved setae (Figs. 3 C – D). Subapical flattened area of inner surface covered with short, thin setae; at extreme apex, ventrally, a cluster of stiff, golden setae present (Figs. 3 E – F). Tarsus: with a few minute, erect setae arranged in two rows on laterodorsal and lateral surfaces. Basal (first) segment bearing short, oblique, stout setae on most of ventral surface, except at extreme base, where they are absent, and at apical portion, where a few adpressed knife-like tuberculate setae are present (Figs. 3 E – F). Ventral surface of distal (second) tarsal segment with knife-like setae (Figs. 3 F – G). Middle and hind legs. Femora and tibiae densely covered by short, adpressed, straight to slightly curved, darkened setae; tarsi with similar vestiture, but setae suberect and somewhat longer, especially on hind tarsi. Forewings with a row of sparse, short, stout setae along anterior margin (Figs. 4 C – D, F – G), with some additional elements on its basal portion; row ending at distal portion of pterostigmal margin (Fig. 4 G). A few similar setae forming a short row on basal portion of anal vein (Fig. 4 C) and an irregular row scattered over central portion of pterostigma (Figs. 4 F – G). Hind wings without setae. Abdomen generally covered by short, somewhat thin, decumbent setae, more numerous on sternites (Fig. 4 K). Male terminalia. Abdominal segment VIII sclerotized only ventrally, ventral surface subsquared, with anterior and posterior margins slightly curved; exposed portion bearing scattered short setae, with a distal marginal row of longer, straight setae (Figs. 4 J; 5 A – C). Pygophore subrectangular in lateral (Figs. 4 I – J, 5 D), dorsal (Fig. 5 F), and ventral (Fig. 5 G) views; superolateral margin depressed at midportion (Figs. 4 J, 5 D), bearing a large suboval posterodorsal prominence on distal portion (Figs. 4 J, 5 A – B, D – E, G – H); latter and approximately distal third of pygophore also bearing thin, straight setae (Figs. 4 J, 5 A – B). Distally, an elongated posteromedial process present (Figs. 4 J, 5 A – B, D – E, G – H), mostly glabrous on external surface, with sparse long, thin setae internally (Figs. 5 A – B), apex acute (Fig. 5 D), slightly curved in lateral view (Figs. 4 J, 5 A, D) and straight in posterior view (Figs. 5 B, E, H). Dorsal transverse bridge between anterior and posterior genital openings large (Fig. 5 F). Membranous areas of posterior genital opening smooth (Fig. 5 F). Proctiger relatively small, with distal margin rounded (Fig. 5 F). Parameres symmetric, elongate, strongly double-curved at approximately distal third (Figs. 4 J, 5 A – B, D – H, 6 A); exposed surface entirely covered with thin, erect setae, including double-curved portion (Figs. 5 A – B); unexposed surface with rows of setae on its distal portion (Figs. 5 A – B); apex enlarged in dorsal, ventral and posterior views (Figs. 5 B, E – H) and acute in lateral view (Figs. 4 I, J, 5 D, 6 A). Phallus (Figs. 6 B – D): symmetric; basal plate arms moderately elongate (Figs. 6 B – D); basal plate bridge short, narrower than basal plate arms (Figs. 6 B, D). Basal plate extension (pedicel) with lateral margins curved (Figs. 6 B – D); apically with an elongated lateral arm, slightly broader basally, folded at approximately midlength, apex rounded (Figs. 6 B – D). Dorsal phallothecal sclerite symmetric; basal third with a pair of sclerotized struts, narrowly united basally; median third with margins rounded; apical third enlarged, arrow shaped, slightly depressed medially at distal margin (Figs. 6 B, D). Endosoma elongate; wall rugose (Figs. 6 C – D); with two processes (Fig. 6 D): one submedian, shaped as an inverted “ U ”, formed by rugosities; one subapical, shaped as an open arrowhead; between them, about five transverse, curved, shallow, sclerotized linear crests present on endosoma wall (Fig. 6 D). Female (Figs. 7 – 12). Similar to male in coloration and vestiture; tergite VII subsquared, posterior margin slightly rounded; sternite VIII tapering toward apex; female genitalia, as in Figs. 12 D – H. Measurements given in Table 2.	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE0D469EB8BFDBB4E7D0F81.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Figs. 13 A – B; Table 3). According to current sampling, Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov. has been recorded from an area of approximately 110,000 km 2, encompassing regions of the Brazilian biomes “ Cerrado ” and Atlantic Forest, and the transition zone between the Cerrado and the “ Caatinga ”, extending from the central-western portion of Minas Gerais to its northern and northeastern limits (IBGE, 2019).	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE0D469EB8BFDBB4E7D0F81.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition in the nominative singular. It honors the biologist Aline da Silva Reis, wife of the second author (RAZ), in recognition of her constant support of studies on subterranean fauna.	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE0D469EB8BFDBB4E7D0F81.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. BRAZIL, Minas Gerais: Prudente de Morais, Escrivânia Massif, ES 01 Cave, twilight zone, 19 ° 26 ’ 45.41 ” S, 44 ° 6 ’ 11.38 ” W (SIRGAS 2000), Zampaulo, R. A. & Reis, A. S. leg., 22. v. 2021, male holotype (ISLA- 151594), female paratype (ISLA- 151595); same locality, 15. viii. 2019, aphotic zone, female paratype (ISLA- 151596), twilight zone, female paratype (ISLA- 151597); Limeira Massif, 30 L Cave, twilight zone, 19 ° 26 ’ 22.34 ” S, 44 ° 6 ’ 24.60 ” W (SIRGAS 2000), Alt. 737 m, Zampaulo, R. A., Reis, A. S. leg., 05. xii. 2021, male paratype (ISLA- 151598); Ataléia, Senhor do Bonfim Cave, 18 ° 11 ’ 38.48 ” S, 41 ° 17 ’ 33.55 ” W (WGS 84), project MG, Rabelo et al. leg., 03. iv. 2017, male paratype (ISLA- 151599), female paratype (ISLA- 151600); Formiga, Pains Project, Paca Cave, 20 ° 28 ’ 25.79 ” S, 45 ° 39 ’ 32.52 ” W (WGS 84), Zampaulo, R. A. leg., 21. v. 2009, female paratype (ISLA- 151601); Januária, Levinópolis, Arco do André Cave, 15 ° 05 ' 44.66 " S, 44 ° 14 ' 8.39 " W, ix. 1997, male paratype (CTJMSB- 00325), female paratype (CTJMSB- 00326).	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
03EC87B2FFE0D469EB8BFDBB4E7D0F81.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology. All examined specimens of Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov. were collected exclusively in subterranean environments (Table 3), associated with carbonate rocks of the Bambuí Group, Sete Lagoas Formation (Alkmim & Martins-Neto 2001) (Figs. 13 – 16), as well as in a cave (Senhor do Bonfim Cave) developed in syn-collisional granites of the Araçuaí Orogen, formed during the Neoproterozoic assembly of Gondwana (~ 630 – 490 Ma) (Gradim et al. 2014) (Fig. 13). Most specimens were collected in entrance and twilight zones, both in small caves (e. g., Escrivânia Massif, ES 01 Cave; Fig. 14 C) and extensive systems with well-developed internal sectors (e. g., Arco do André, Figs. 16 B – C; Paca Cave). Specimens were typically associated with dry substrates characterized by high accumulation of organic matter (Fig. 15 C), conditions under which prey availability appeared to be greater. Although the species has not been recorded in surface habitats, its morphology (lacking conspicuous troglomorphic traits) together with its recurrent occurrence in ecotonal cave zones, suggests that V. aline gen. nov., sp. nov. should be regarded as troglophilic (Racovitza 1907).	en	Gil-Santana, Hélcio Reinaldo, Zampaulo, Robson De Almeida, Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes, Oliveira, Jader (2026): Valentina aline gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of cave-associated Emesinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil. Zootaxa 5853 (1): 1-26, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5853.1.1
