Species of the Genus Stethoconus of Japan (Heteroptera, Miridae) : Predaceous Deraeocorine Plant Bugs Associated with Lace Bugs (Tingidae)

Two new deraeocorine plant bug species from Japan (Heteroptera, Miridae, Deraeocorinae)

“…The present paper documents two new species of the Deraeocorinae, Fingulushenrytomi (tribe Deraeocorini) and Stethoconustakaii (Hyaliodini), which were found in the temperate climate zones of southeastern Japan. Although the majority of the members of Fingulus Distant and Stethoconus Flor are thermophilic and known predominantly from the tropics and subtropics (Nakatani et al 2000, Nakatani and Yasunaga 2001, Schuh 1995, 2002–2014, Stonedahl and Cassis 1991, Yasunaga et al 1997, 2016), the new species extend the range of these genera farther north than expected. The new species are also considered predacious, as species belonging to Fingulus and Stethoconus in other regions are well known as predators (e.g., Henry et al 1986; Neal et al 1991; Wheeler 2001; Yasunaga et al 1997, 2016).…”

“…Although the majority of the members of Fingulus Distant and Stethoconus Flor are thermophilic and known predominantly from the tropics and subtropics (Nakatani et al 2000, Nakatani and Yasunaga 2001, Schuh 1995, 2002–2014, Stonedahl and Cassis 1991, Yasunaga et al 1997, 2016), the new species extend the range of these genera farther north than expected. The new species are also considered predacious, as species belonging to Fingulus and Stethoconus in other regions are well known as predators (e.g., Henry et al 1986; Neal et al 1991; Wheeler 2001; Yasunaga et al 1997, 2016). Color habitus images of live individuals and scanning electron micrographs are presented for the two new species and their closely related congeners.…”

“…Antennal segment II dark, if middle pale, at least basal 1/3 infuscate (Figs 12–14); areas between punctures on pronotum weakly swollen, but not calloused (Figs 25–26, 30–31); scutellum weakly elevated and dark without marking (Figs 15–16); pale marking on mesepimeron absent (Figs 17–18); basal part of left paramere somewhat swollen. Some specimens of the new species have been misidentified as S.japonicus (Yasunaga et al 1997, Nakatani and Yasunaga 2001). The description and illustration by Nawa (1910), on which the specific name S.japonicus was based (Schumacher 1917; see also Yasunaga et al 1996), unequivocally correspond to what has been identified as S.japonicus (with only an apically infuscate antennal segment II and a yellow marking on scutellum).…”

A Remarkable New Genus and New Species of the Plant Bug (Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae), Inhabiting Psyllid Leaf Margin Roll Gall on Indian Banyan,Ficus benghalensis

“…However, these anthocorids appear to attack smaller immature thrips only, as the adult thrips (larger in size than the bug) were observed to repel the predators, wielding the long, posterior end of the abdomen when approached (Yasunaga and Yamada, unpublished observation both in Cambodia and Thailand). Mimicking host insects and inhabiting colonies with their prey may allow these predaceous bugs to minimize the threat of natural enemies, as supposed by Yasunaga et al (1997Yasunaga et al ( , 2001. Mirid species of the genus Stethoconus Flor (Deraeocorinae: Hyaliodini), which preferably attack lace bugs (Tingidae) within the tingid colonies, also probably mimics their prey (see Wheeler, 2001).…”

Preliminary data on the Heteroptera of the Peter the Great Gulf islands, Sea of Japan, Russia

“…Вшивковой с соавторами [Vshivkova et al, 2004] Распространение. Юг Приморского края и континентального Дальнего Востока (Корея, СВ Китай, Япония -был завезён в С Америку [Yasunaga et al, 1997].…”