A Revision of the Genus Arhyssus Stål

Author: CHOPRA NARINDER PERKASH  

Publisher: Entomological Society of America

ISSN: 1938-2901

Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Vol.61, Iss.3, 1968-05, pp. : 629-655

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Abstract

Arhyssus is the largest genus of the newly recognized rhopalid tribe Niesthrini insofar as the number of the species is concerned. The genus is confined to the Western Hemisphere and is quite homogeneous; however, it is possible to recognize 4 definite groups within the genus. The genus Arhyssus was formerly considered to be composed of 14 species and 1 variety. The present investigation reveals that Corizus brevipilis Harris, C. indentatus (Hambleton), and C. tuberculatus (Hambleton) are synonyms of A. scutatus (Stål). The specific name nigristerum (Signoret) has priority over bohemani Signoret. Moreover, 6 new species have been discovered and named: Arhyssus schaeferi, distinctus, peruensis, confusus, longirostratus, and slateri. Thus, the genus Arhyssus as now considered contains 17 species. These results are based on a comparative study of the male genitalia, which present reliable characters to separate species in this genus. A key to the species, based mainly on clearcut structural characteristics, is included.