Alcecoris globosus Carvalho, 1951

Yeshwanth, H. M., Chérot, F. & Henry, T. J., 2021, The Isometopinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) of India and Sri Lanka: A Review of the Subfamily, with Descriptions of Six New Species, Zootaxa 4903 (2), pp. 151-193 : 170

Alcecoris globosus Carvalho, 1951

( Figs. 4 A–D, 5A–C, 7A–B, 9I–J, 10C, 17A–I, 22A–C)

Alceocoris globosus Carvalho, 1951: 390 (as new species, DV, LV, incorrect subsequent spelling of generic name); Schuh 1995: 5 (catalogue), 2002–2013 (online catalogue).

Diagnosis. Female. Small, length 2.4 mm. Body brown to reddish brown; hemelytron whitish at base, with a dark transverse band on corium at the level with the apex of scutellum; apex of corium, cuneus, and membrane fuscous. Head vertical, globose, with rounded lateral projections below eyes. Eyes oval or globose. Antennal segment I incrassate, with two apical spines, dorsal spine elongate, triangular, curved, and apically pointed, ventral spine stout, apex rounded and smooth. Segment II globose, about 1.6 times longer than wide. Pronotum shiny, with a few scattered punctures. Lateral margins strongly convex, posterior margin rounded, anterior lateral angles acutely pointed. Mesoscutum exposed. Scutellum elevated basally, apex flat and pointed. Hemelytron pilose, with appressed setae and distinct punctures; embolium narrow; cuneal incisures indistinct; membrane short with one cell. Legs elongate; tarsi two segmented, with second segment longer than first.

Male differing from the female by the antennal structures, including the tubular segment I lacking apical spines; segment II flattened, quadrangular or rectangular, without any concavity on inner sides; segments III and IV thinnest, III the shortest, IV slightly longer. Similar to female in the dorsal body coloration, except the cuneus with a basal white band. Lateral margins of pronotum nearly straight. Hemelytra parallel sided.

Type material examined. Holotype (♀): India: South India, Nandhidurga hill, 4500 feet, by T. V. Campbel, B.M. 1928-189, 2915 ( BMNH).

Other material examined: India: Karnataka, Hesaraghatta, 1³, 2♀, 17.v.2020, ex: Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) bark with Crematogaster ants, Yeshwanth H.M. leg. ( UASB).

Distribution. India: (Bengaluru, Hesaraghatta, and Karnataka Nandhi Hills).

Discussion. This species previously was known only from a female holotype. In this paper, we present the first illustration of the male, including male genitalia. It exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in the shape of antennal segment I. Males have a smooth tubular segment whereas females have two apical spines, which can seen even in the nymphal stages.

Biology. Alcecoris globosus was found in association with trails of Crematogaster ants, which frequently attend scale insects and mealy bugs, and, where they were exceedingly difficult to detect because of their similar, quick movements.

Figures

FIGURES 4. Indian Isometopinae: Sophianini. Habitus. A–D. Alcerocoris globosus Carvalho, 1951. A–B male in dorsal and ventral view. C–D female in dorsal and ventral view.