The Oriental species of Helopeltis (Heteroptera: Miridae): a review of economic literature and guide to identification

Abstract

AbstractThe taxonomy of the Oriental species of Helopeltis is revised and a review of the economic literature is given. An identification key is provided for the 14 recognized species, one of which, H. sulawesi, is described as new. A diagnosis and brief description is given for each species, as well as illustrations of useful taxonomic characters, information on distributions and host records, and a discussion of any known or suspected misidentifications. Lectotype designations are made for 13 nominal species and the following new synonymies are established: H. bradyi Waterhouse = H. ceylonensis De Silva, syn. n and H. romundei Waterhouse, syn. n;H. cinchonae Mann = H. brevicornis Poppius, syn. n.;H. clavifer (Walker) = H. australiae Kirkaldy, syn. n and H. niger Walker, syn. n;H. cuneata Distant = H. elegans Poppius, syn. n;H. fasciaticollis Poppius = H. pallidus Poppius, syn. n and H. pallidiceps Poppius, syn. n;H. theivora Waterhouse = H. oryx Distant, syn. n The somewhat obscure synonymy of H. theobromae Miller under H. theivora is confirmed. Two subgenera are recognized and diagnosed: Afropeltissubgen. n (type species Eucerocoris westwoodi White), including all African species of the genus, and Helopeltis sensu stricto, containing the Oriental and Australasian species.