The taxonomic status of Xyonysius major (Berg) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), an occasional pest of sunflower in Brazil

Abstract

Specimens of a species of the orsilline genus Xyonysius have been collected on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Londrina, Paraná. The specimens appeared to be X. major (Berg), but this species has been synonymized with X. californicus (Stål). Here I show the two species should be considered distinct, at least until the concept "Xyonysius californicus" has been clarified. The sunflower lygaeid is X. major.