Agaveocoris scutellatus Henry and Menard, new species

(Figs. 41, 42, 97–99, 128)

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 80021F5B-094D-455B-AFB8-611E97D2E939

DIAGNOSIS. This species (Figs. 41, 42) is distinguished by the relatively small size, the dark hemelytra with a weak bluish sheen, the yellow to bright orange scutellum, the yellowish-brown to red-tinged head, and yellowish-brown pronotum, often with the calli tinged with red.

It is most similar to A. barberi in overall coloration, but differs in the smaller size and the short, stout, apically rounded genital tubercle (Fig. 128), whereas A. barberi is larger and has an elongate, apically acute genital tubercle (Fig. 120).

DESCRIPTION. Male: (n = 5; holotype measurements in parentheses): Length from apex of head to cuneal fracture 2.80–3.30 mm (2.95 mm); length from apex of head to apex of membrane 4.00– 4.30 mm (4.05 mm); widest point across hemelytra 1.79–2.06 mm (1.81 mm). Head: Width across eyes 1.07–1.14 mm (1.07 mm); interocular width 0.64–0.67 mm (0.62 mm). Labium: Length 1.54–1.60 mm (1.60 mm). Antenna: Segment I length 0.46–0.51 mm (0.49 mm); II, 0.74–0.80 mm (0.77 mm); III, 0.59–0.66 mm (0.64 mm); IV, 0.53–0.58 mm (0.61 mm). Pronotum: Median length 0.67–0.78 mm (0.67 mm); posterior width 1.38–1.54 mm (1.41 mm).

COLORATION. Head: Yellowish brown, sometimes weakly tinged with reddish orange; vertex with two transverse brown lines; frons with a wide row of transverse lines on either side of media line; clypeus dark brown to black. Labium: Yellowish brown. Antenna: Segment I brown to dark brown, with a black ring at base; segment II–IV uniformly brown to dark brown. Pronotum: Yellowish brown, calli often with small brown spots and tinged with reddish orange. Mesoscutum and scutellum: Pale yellow to reddish orange. Hemelytron: Brown, semishiny, with a weak bluish sheen; membrane translucent smoky brown, veins dark brown. Ventral surface: Pleural areas of thorax dull brown, mesosternum shiny brown; abdomen brown to reddish brown, genital capsule yellowish brown. Legs: Coxae pale yellowish brown; femora yellowish brown, with small brown spots anteriorly and posteriorly; tibiae and tarsi brown; claws dark brown.

Male genitalia: Endosoma (Fig. 97) as in generic description. Left paramere (Fig. 98) small, C-shaped. Right paramere (Fig. 99) elongate, slender, with an upturned apex.

Female: (n = 5): Length from apex of head to cuneal fracture 2.95–3.15 mm; length from apex of head to apex of membrane 4.10–4.60 mm; widest point across hemelytra 1.84–1.98 mm. Head: Width across eyes 1.09–1.10 mm; interocular width 0.64–0.65 mm. Labium: Length 1.52–1.63 mm. Antenna: Segment I length, 0.46–0.51 mm; II, 0.72–0.75 mm; III, 0.58–0.61 mm; IV, 0.51–0.61 mm. Pronotum: Median length 0.66–0.74 mm; posterior width 1.39–1.49 mm.

Similar to male in size, shape, and coloration. Genitalia as in generic description.

ETYMOLOGY. The specific epithet “scutellatus” is used to denote the bright yellow to orange scutellum of this species.

HOST. Unknown.

DISTRIBUTION. Known only from Veracruz, Mexico.

TYPE MATERIAL. Holotype ♂, MEXICO: Veracruz: 1.5 mi. N of Jilotepec, 17 March 1976, Gruetzmacher, Jordan, Vincent, & Schaffner (TAMU) . Paratypes: 23 ♂♂, 16 ♀♀, same data as for holotype (17♂♂, 12♀♀, TAMU; 6♂♂, 4♀♀, USNM) .