Phasmatocoris spectrum Breddin, 1904

The genus Phasmatocoris Breddin, 1904, has 14 described species, three of them known from Colombia (Wygodzinsky 1966; Maldonado 1990). P. s p e c t r u m is the type species of the genus. Wygodzinsky (1966) illustrated certain aspects of this species. Some details are redrawn here and others are shown to facilitate its recognition (Figs. 10­17). The fore tibia has a depression on its dorsal surface, covered with medium­sized dense setae, character not mentioned by Wygodzinsky; the pygophore has a pointed and long posterior process; the parameres are subtriangular, and densely covered in setae; the non­extended phallus, exhibit a symmetrical and laterally expanded apical part of the struts, with a large and asymmetrical endosomal process. An illustration of a late instar nymph is given (Fig. 18).

The specimens were found among the leaves of a “Palma Real” ( Scheelea sp. [ Arecaceae]), of an approximately height of nine meters that was in the interior of the forest. Together with these specimens, some Triatominae (Reduviidae), scorpions and others arthropods were found. As far as is known, this is the first biological information for any species of this genus.

P. s p e c t r u m was originally described from Bolivia, and additionally recorded from Brazil (Manaos) and Venezuela (Wygodzinsky 1966; Maldonado 1968, 1990). This species is recorded for the first time from Colombia (Fig. 19).

Material examined: COLOMBIA, 1ɗ, 1 nymph, Meta, Puerto Gaitán, El Porvenir, orilla sur del Río Meta, 4 km al este del poblado de El Porvenir (4º45’N 71º25’W), 150 m, 23­XI­1979, M. Barreto [CMUV]; 1ɗ ­same data­ [UNCB].