Morphology of the 1st gonapophysis in the genus Neoplea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pleidae), including an evaluation of its taxonomic importance

Authors

  • Clayton A. Sublett Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341, USA
  • Jerry L. Cook Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341, USA Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341, USA

Keywords:

external genitalia, classification, taxonomic character, pygmy backswimmer

Abstract

The 1st gonapophysis of species in the genus Neoplea Esaki and China, 1928, includes a pattern of spurs that aids in depositing eggs into plant tissue. Within each species the pattern of spurs is relatively consistent, especially toward the apical end. Thus, there is taxonomic value in the morphology of this structure. Many of the currently known species of Neoplea can be identified using only the 1st gonapophysis, although intraspecific varia­tion exists and characteristics may overlap in closely related species. All Neoplea species whose 1st gonaphphyses are known are described and illustrated.

 

Resumen

El ovipositor de las especies en el género Neoplea incluye un patrón de espinas que son utilizadas presumiblemente para ayudar en la deposición de huevos en el tejido vegetal. Dentro de cada especie, el patrón de estas espinas es relativamente consistente, espe­cialmente hacia el extremo apical. Por lo tanto, hay valor taxonómico en la morfología de esta estructura. Muchas de las especies conocidas actualmente de Neoplea pueden identificarse utilizando únicamente el ovipositor, aunque existe variación en la especie y en las especies estrechamente relacionadas presenta cierta superposición en caracteres. Se describen e ilustran todas las especies de Neoplea cuyos ovipositores son conocidos.

 

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Issue

Vol. 98, No. 2 (June 2015)

Section

Research Papers

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