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New data on Eurylomata picturata Blanchard (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
1, 2 , * 1
1  Cape Horn International Center, Punta Arenas, CHILE
2  Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco CHILE
Academic Editor: Andjeljko Petrović

Abstract:

Eurylomata picturata (Miridae: Mirinae: Resthenini) is a plant bug that is native to Argentina and Chile. E. picturata is associated with some crops, especially potatoes; however, our knowledge of the bug is sparse. In this work, we report the first record of the species in a native shrub, Fuchsia magellanica (Onagraceae), in Temuco, South Chile. Additionally, four of the known morphs (pluto, picturata, delta, torquata) were observed together, as were their intermediates. These morphs currently have a range of subspecies, and we propose to synonymize all of them. In our collections, we observed nymphs and exuviae that were collected with the adults, confirming the association with the host plant. As the immature specimens of this species were previously unknown, the V nymph was described, whose main diagnostic characteristics are the following: General coloration blackish with orange ornaments, mainly on the eyes, and a longitudinal midline from the head to protoscutellum, as well as the anterior third of the abdomen. Head is subtriangular, and first antennomere is longer than the head and rostrum, reaching the mesothorax. Thorax with trapezoidal pronotum and pterothecae reaching half of the abdomen, surpassing protoscutellum. Dorsal abdominal gland opening between abdominal segments III and IV, located on a shiny black tubercle.

The information here contradicts previous information, which only locates this species in low herbs, expanding their habitat to high plants (3-4-meter shrubs). In addition, we observed copulation behavior on different morphs, as well as carrion feeding in adult females on dead specimens, which was recorded for the first time on this species. The new information is discussed and analyzed, and finally, the distribution is corrected, locating this species between Coquimbo and Los Lagos Region in Chile and Río Negro in Argentina.

Keywords: Heteroptera; Miridae; immature stages; synonymy
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