First formal record of the feeding habits of Saileriolidae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomomorpha, Pentatomoidea), with redescription of Bannacorishyalinus (Schaefer & Ashlock, 1970), comb. nov. endemic to Vietnam

Zookeys. 2024 Dec 31:1221:363-375. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.1221.135026. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

In the present study, the rare true bug Bannacorishyalinus (Schaefer & Ashlock, 1970), comb. nov. (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomomorpha, Pentatomoidea, Saileriolidae), which is endemic to Vietnam, is redescribed and transferred from the genus Saileriola China & Slater, 1956 to the genus Bannacoris Hsiao, 1964 based on morphological characteristics. Adults and nymphs of this species congregate in groups of several individuals and suck sap from the abaxial side of the leaves of Litsea sp. (Lauraceae). They cause visible feeding damage on the adaxial side of Litsea leaves, similar to that caused by members of the heteropteran family Tingidae Laporte, 1832 (Cimicomorpha, Miroidea). The new knowledge of B.hyalinus comb. nov. also represents the first formal record of the feeding habits of Saileriolidae China & Slater, 1956. An identification key to all four species of this family is provided.

Keywords: Host plant; Tingidae; Urostylididae; phytophagous insect; rare species.

Grants and funding

Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Japan Society for the Promotion of Science