A new species of the stilt bug genus Gampsocoris from Senegal and a new generic combination for Gampsocoris gomeranus Wagner (Heteroptera: Berytidae: Gampsocorinae)

Authors: Henry, Thomas

Submitted to: Entomologica Americana
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/30/2015
Publication Date: 5/31/2016
Citation: Henry, T.J. 2016. A new species of the stilt bug genus Gampsocoris from Senegal and a new generic combination for Gampsocoris gomeranus Wagner (Heteroptera: Berytidae: Gampsocorinae). Entomologica Americana. 122:24-30.

Interpretive Summary: Stilt bugs represent a relatively small family of both predaceous and phytophagous insects. Several species are serious pests of greenhouse crops such as tomatoes, whereas some are predators feedings on insects eggs, such as the tomato and tobacco hornworm. In this paper, a new species from Senegal is described and another previously described species is transferred to a different genus based on a number of shared characters. The relationships of the genera included within this group of mostly grass-feeding stilt bugs are discussed. This information will be of interest to a wide array of scientists, extension personnel, and state departments of agriculture interested in biological control of insects associated with grasses and other crop plants.

Technical Abstract: The relationships the African gampsocorine (Gampsocorinae) genera Gampsoacantha Josifov and Štusak, Gampsocoris Fuss, and Micrometacanthus are discussed. Gampsocoris gomeranus Wagner, having a median anterior spine, three basal processes on the pronotum, and a short, round antennal segment IV, is transferred to the genus Micrometacanthus Lindberg (M. gomeranus, new combination). Gampsocoris linnavuorii, new species, from Senegal is diagnosed, described, and illustrated to help distinguish it from all other members of Gampsocoris.