Key to world species of Nicostratus Distant

1. Hemelytra with distinct white transverse band or triangular spots............................................................. 2

- Hemelytra without white transverse band or triangular spots .................................................................... 7

2. Triangular white apical spot extending from costal margin slightly beyond claval suture to clavus (Iran).. ......................................................................................................... Nicostratus myrmecophilus Linnavuori

- Transverse band extending from costal margin to commissural margin of clavus...................................... 3

3. Antennal segment II shorter than III and IV together (5:6) (Borneo). Nicostratus minor China & Carvalho

- Antennal segment II almost equal to or longer than III and IV together.....................................................4

4. Antennal segment II almost as long as III and IV together ......................................................................... 5

- Antennal segment II distinct longer than III and IV together...................................................................... 6

5. Vertex width narrower than width of one eye in male (5:7) (central India) .................................................. .......................................................................................................................... Nicostratus diversus Distant

- Vertex width wider than width of eye in male (9:5) (southern India)............................................................ .......................................................................................................................... Nicostratus princeps Distant

6. Hemelytra with transverse band across base at apex of scutellum (Sri Lanka) ............................................ ......................................................................................................................... Nicostratus balteatus Distant

- Hemelytra without transverse band across base at apex of scutellum (Thailand) ........................................ ............................................................................................................ Nicostratus luteus China & Carvalho

7. Scutellum with sparse punctures (China) ................................................. Nicostratus frontmaculus sp.nov.

- Scutellum without punctures (China) ........................................................ Nicostratus sinicus Hsiao & Ren