Genus Busoniomimus Maldonado-Capriles

Busoniomimus Maldonado-Capriles 1977: 491; Webb 1983b: 85–86. Type species: Idiocerus minor Bierman, by original designation

Diagnosis. Species of this genus resemble species of Idioscopus externally, but differ in male genitalia characters. Some species, as in B. minor (Bierman) and B. mindanaoensis (Baker), lack frontolateral sutures. Metabasitarsomere with three platellae flanked on either side by a stout seta (Figs 15E, 16D). Male pygofer with a triangular lobe on ventral margin proximad of midlength. Aedeagus with well-developed dorsal apodeme, slightly compressed, with large proximal region, shaft dorsally directed and pustulate, with ventral marginal constriction near base. Style more or less straight, apophysis longer than anterior part proximad of articulation with connective, ventral margin smooth, dorsal margin with thin moderately long setae. Female sternite VII 2× as wide as long medially, posterior margin either straight or convex. Valvula I with sculptured area occupying distal 0.5 or more, strigae slgithly curved, vertical. Valvula II with either small or prominent widely spaced teeth, toothed area occupying distal 0.33 length.

Remarks. The genus as discussed by Webb (1983b) is heterogeneous and needs phylogenetic analysis to determine whether it is a natural group. Two species of the genus occur in the Indian subcontinent and are considered pests of plants on which they breed (see Remarks under each species).

Key to species of Busoniomimus Maldonado-Capriles from the Indian subcontinent

1. Pronotum with anterior transverse series of dark brown spots (Fig. 16A), frontoclypeus with large dark brown spot (Fig. 16C); aedeagus without processes (Fig. 16H)............................................. B. mudigerensis (Viraktamath)

- Pronotum and frontoclypeus immaculate (Figs 15A,C); aedeagus with one pair of preatrial processes (Fig. 15H)............................................................................ .. B. manjunathi Viraktamath & Viraktamath