Recent examination of specimens from Ecuador revealed a series of males and females of an undescribed species clearly belonging to the Discocephalinae. The new species presents characteristics similar to genera of both Discocephalini and Ochlerini, preventing an undoubtful placement of the new species within any genus and tribe. We conducted a cladistic analysis to investigate the possible relationships of the new species within Discocephalinae. The new species was recovered as sister-group to the remaining Ochlerini, supporting the proposition of a new genus, so Candeocoris bistillatus Roell & Campos, gen. n. et sp. n. are described within Ochlerini. The new genus is recognized for its dark glossy aspect, tumid vertex of head, long and sinuous labrum, base of labium placed close to anterior limit of eyes, thick bristles on meso- and metatibiae, pygophore globose, and laterotergites 9 touching each other. The new species is recognized by a large yellow spot on each corium, yellow spots on each segment of the connexivum, bucculae with anterior tooth, laminar projections on superior layer of ventral rim of pygophore, vesica with a single median projection, and broad gonocoxites 8.
The African shieldbug genus Afrius Stål, 1870 is revised. Cantheconidea migratoria Distant, 1913 and A. williamsi Miller, 1952 are proposed as junior synonyms of A. (Subafrius) flavirostrum (Signoret, 1861) whereas Canthecona marmorata Dallas, 1851, Canthecona annulipes Dallas, 1851 and A. rubromarginatus Bergroth, 1903 are proposed as junior synonyms of A. (Afrius) purpureus (Westwood, 1837) based on the general morphology and genitalia of the species. The three valid species, viz. A. (Subafrius) flavirostrum, A. (Afrius) kolleri Schouteden, 1911 and A. (Afrius) purpureus, are redescribed with details of male and female genitalia morphology, and a lectotype is designated for A. (Afrius) kolleri. A key to identify the species as well as an update of the geographical distribution for each species are provided, including new records for A. (Afrius) purpureus.
Some species of Podisus Herrich-Schäffer have a confuse taxonomic history with several modifications and loss of information over time. The genus has been considered a taxonomic dumping ground in Asopinae, and its current species composition is doubtful. After examining the type specimens of Telepta distincta Stål, Arma submarginata Walker, Arma monospila Walker, Arma fuscescens Dallas, Arma caliginosa Walker, Arma turbida Walker and Podisus mellipes Bergroth, we redescribe and revalidate A. fuscescens as Podisus fuscescens rev. stat., previously considered a junior synonym of Podisus sagitta (Fabricius). The taxonomic status, morphology and distribution of P. fuscescens and P. distinctus are updated and illustrated. Arma caliginosa, A. turbida and Podisus mellipes become synonyms of P. fuscescens. Additionally, Arma submarginata Walker is removed from its synonymy with Podisus ventralis (Dallas) and treated as a synonym of P. distinctus. Podisus signoreti Fallou is removed from its synonymy with P. distinctus and treated as species inquirenda.
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