Niesthrea parvaloba 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 : 20

Niesthrea parvaloba Melo and Henry sp. nov. ( urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1E0CD276-2D7A-4A6B-A77E-C8C47545545F )

( Figs. 4C and 9G–H )

Diagnosis

This species is distinguished by the vertical, somewhat thickened paramere ( Fig. 9G ) with a large denticle at the base, the reduced median process with reduced lobes that are narrower or subequal to the width of a paramere, and the long lateral lobe that is higher than a paramere. The labium extends to the base or middle of abdominal segment III.

The parameres of N. parvaloba sp. nov. ( Fig. 9G ) are similar to those of N. dentata ( Fig. 8A ) and N. digna ( Fig. 8C ) in having a strong basal denticle or tooth. It is easily recognized by the narrow median lobe that is narrower or subequal to the lateral width of a paramere, whereas in the latter two species, the median lobe has widely flared lateral processes making it much broader than the lateral width of a paramere.

Description

Head: Pale yellowish brown, with a few small red spots, with numerous, long, erect, pale setae. Labium: Extending to base or middle of abdominal segment III. Antenna: Segment I yellowish brown, with a dark brown dorsal and ventral streak on apical half ; segments II and III yellowish brown, slightly dark brown at apex of each, and with an indistinct, dorsal and ventral, narrow, dark brown line on each, with scattered, relatively short, erect setae subequal to the diameter of the respective segments; segment IV brown, paler yellowish brown on base one fourth and vaguely so at apex, with short, dense, pale to darker brown setae. Pronotum: Yellowish brown, with scattered, small, red spots, median line narrowly yellow; densely set with relatively short, erect setae. Scutellum: Pale yellowish brown, with a few scattered, red spots. Hemelyron : Claval and corial cells clear, veins and apex of corium yellowish brown, with only a few brown spots on holotype male, more heavily spotted on females ; membrane clear. Ventral surface: Uniformly pale yellowish brown, including sternal areas, with scattered, small, red spots. Legs: Pale yellowish brown ; femora and tibiae with numerous scattered dark brown spots; setae on femora shorter than diameter of segment, setae on tibiae short than to subequal to diameter of segment. Male genitalia: Paramere ( Fig. 9G ): Vertical, somewhat thickened, with a stout basal denticle. Median lobe ( Fig. 9G ): Small, narrower and shorter than a paramere, weakly constricted basally, lateral processes small, weakly flared. Lateral lobe ( Fig.9G and H ): Extending above parameres, extremely broad at base and apically rounded 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. 9. Niesthrea male genitalia. (A–B) N. josei Göllner-Scheiding:(A)Ventral view.(B) Lateral view.(C–D) N. lateroloba, sp. nov.: (C)Ventral view.(D) Lateral view. (E–F) N. louisianica Sailer: (E) Ventral view. (F) Lateral view. (G–H) N. parvaloba, sp. nov.: (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.