Genitalic structures in the Neella -Neoneella complex (Heteroptera: Miridae)

MINGHETTI, EUGENIA; MONTEMAYOR, SARA I.; DELLAPÉ, PABLO M

Workshop; V Workshop Latinoamericano de Heteroptera; 2022

The Miridae is the most species-rich family of Heteroptera and one of the 20 most diverse family of insects, with more than 11.300 described species. The Bryocorinae, is the fourth largest subfamily, and it is a highly diverse group in terms of feeding habits and morphology, including its genitalic structures. A recent phylogenetic analysis recovered its monophyly and recognized five tribes. Eccritotarsini is the largest tribe, but its internal relationships remain unknown, and many of its genera and species are only known from their original descriptions, as the related genera Adneella Carvalho, Neella Reuter, Neoneella Costa Lima, Paraneella Carvalho and Proneella Carvalho. As part of EM PhD thesis, a morphological study of this group of genera has been done, including a phylogenetic analysis. All the specimens were studied under a stereomicroscope and the genitalic structures were dissected after cleared in an 85% lactic acid solution, washed in distilled water, and preserved in vials with glycerine. Photographs were captured using a digital camera mounted on a Nikon SMZ1000 stereomicroscope and multiple focal planes were taken, which were merged using HELICON FOCUS software. As result, 12 new species were described, and the 38 known species were redescribed, all genera and species were diagnosed and keyed. New characters associated to head, antenna, labium pronotum, hemelytra and legs were found. In addition, new structures from male genitalic, such as projections of the genital capsule and processes of the subgenital plate, were described for the first time. The male genitalic structures probed to be very important in the identification and characterization of species and genera.