Synopsis of the New World blissid genera (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Blissidae): Redescriptions of known genera, descriptions of three new genera, and a revised key to the genera

Authors: Henry, Thomas; DELLAPE, P. - National University Of La Plata

Submitted to: Journal of the International Heteropterists' Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2024
Publication Date: 1/31/2024
Citation: Henry, T.J., Dellape, P.M. 2024. Synopsis of the New World blissid genera (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Blissidae): Redescriptions of known genera, descriptions of three new genera, and a revised key to the genera. Journal of the International Heteropterists' Society. 1(1):1-32. https://doi.org/10.11646/jihs.1.1.1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/jihs.1.1.1

Interpretive Summary: The true bug family treated in this publication are commonly known as chinch bugs. They represent the third largest family in the true bug superfamily also containing seed bugs and big-eyed bugs, with 55 genera and more than 430 species described worldwide. Chinch bugs are the only members of this group that feed exclusively on the sap of grasses, making many of them serious pests of lawns, pastures, corn, and small grains. Despite their great economic importance, chinch bugs are extremely difficult to identify, and their relationships are poorly known. In this study we treat 23 genera, three of which are new to science; consider one genus a synonym; transfer 15 species to new genera; provide a phylogenetic analysis to show relationships; and provide an identification key to the New World genera. This work will be of great importance to all researchers working on the control of insect pests of turf and pasture grasses and edible grains.

Technical Abstract: In this contribution, we provide diagnoses, redescriptions, and habitus images of the type species of the 23 known genera of New World Blissidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea); and describe three new genera: Brailovskyodemus, new genus to accommodate three species transferred from Extarademus [B. bifida (Slater and Brailovsky, 1990), new combination] and Patritiodemus [B. clavatus (Slater and Ahmad, 1971), new combination (type species); and B. nigellus (Slater and Ahmad, 1971), new combination]; Metafemorademus, new genus, for two species transferred from Extarademus [M. mundus (Slater and Wilcox, 1966), new combination (type species); and E. prunimundus (Slater and Brailovsky, 1990), new combination]; and Prosternademus, new genus, for one species transferred from Extarademus [P. humerus (Slater and Wilcox, 1966), new combination (type species)]. In addition, we synonymize Patritiodemus Slater and Ahmad, new synonymy, with Ischnodemus Fieber, transferring the species with mutic fore femora to Ischnodemus [I. brusai (Dellapé and Montemayor, 2009), revised combination; I. dilutipes Stål, 1860, revised combination; I. minutus (Slater and Ahmad), new combination; I. singularis (Slater and Ahmad, 1971), new combination; and I. unicoloris (Slater and Ahmad, 1971), new combination] and the species with spined fore femora to Extarademus [E. albomaculatus (Slater and Ahmad, 1971), new combination; and E. delicatus (Slater and Wilcox, 1968), new combination]; and transfer five species of Patritius to Riggiella Kormilev [R. alternatus (Slater and Wilcox, 1966), new combination; P. colombianus (Slater and Wilcox, 1966), new combination; P. cubensis (Barber, 1947), new combination; P. englemanni (Slater, 1979b), new combination; and P. osuna (Slater and Brailovsky, 1995), new combination]. Finally, we provide a preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the New World genera having closed coxal cavities and a revised key to the currently recognized New World genera.