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Title: Mcphersonarcys, a new genus for Pentatomaaequalis Say (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Author
item Thomas, Donald

Submitted to: Great Lakes Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/23/2012
Publication Date: 12/1/2012
Citation: Thomas, D.B. 2012. Mcphersonarcys, a new genus for Pentatomaaequalis Say (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Great Lakes Entomologist. 45(3-4):127-133.

Interpretive Summary: The stink bug genus Euschistus contains many economically important species that attack row crops such as corn, sorghum, tomatoes, and cotton, as well as fruits including peaches and plums. However, there are also many species of this and related genera that are non-pests, and thus correct identifications are important so that control procedures are implemented when the true pest species are present. The present article clarifies the relationships of one species in this group previously known as Hymenarcys aequalis. The characteristics of the species are defined, and the species is renamed as Mcphersonarcys aequalis to honor Professor Jay McPherson of Southern Illinois University and his career researching the biology of stink bugs.

Technical Abstract: A new monotypic genus, Mcphersonarcys, is erected to hold Pentatoma aequalis Say, a species formerly placed in the genus Hymenarcys. Based on the distribution of 19 character-states Hymenarcys forms a clade with its sister genus Coenus. Both genera are related to the large genus Euschistus. Mcphersonarcys is basal to Euschistus, whereas the clade with Hymenarcys and Coenus is derived. Removal of P. aequalis to a new genus resolves the paraphyly of Hymenarchys sensu lato.