Occurrence of Stenopoda spinulosa Giacchi, 1969 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Stenopodainae) in Brazil

Abstract

The Reduviidae family is economically important, as many species are used in the biological control of agricultural pests. Many species in the Stenopodainae subfamily are endemic to tropical forests, and some smear their front paws with sticky plant-derived resin to help capture prey. The genus Stenopoda Laporte, 1833, has 14 species in Brazil. Stenopoda spinulosa Giacchi, 1969 (Reduviidae: Stenopodainae) has so far only been reported for the State of Rio Grande do Sul. They have wings that serve to protect the second pair of membranous wings and the body against crushing shocks. They are characterized by rigidity close to the notch of the wing and, at the same time, by the membranous region at the tip of the wing in the distal region. Their bite can cause edema, allergies, pain, and inflammation. To collect insects, a sweeping net or entomological net was used in shrubs and grasses. The objective of this study is to report the first occurrence of S. spinulosa in the State of Goiás, Brazil.