Holotype male, pinned. Original label: “United States: Texas: Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mts. Resort, 5,800 ft. (Marqua residence), UV, 30.62842°N, 104.08360°W, VII-4-5-09, E & M. L. Riley, TAMU-ENTO X0615825” (TAMU). Paratypes: Same collecting event as holotype; X0615711 (USNM) 1♂; X0615790 (CNC) 1♂; X0615785 (UCONN) 1♂.

This species shares the diagnostic characteristics of the rostratus group, particularly the brown to dark brown coloration, the subquadrate head with a broad vertex, a dorsum with narrow, dark, scale-like setae mixed with other types of vestiture, and male genitalia with greatly reduced primary membranous sac of endosoma with two sclerotized processes and patches of spinules on the basal lobes. It is unique, however, in the combination of characteristics of the male genitalia including: the tapered and narrow shape of the right sclerite of the male endosoma, and the lack of spines on the left paramere.

Male (n = 3): Macropterous, medium sized, lateral margins weakly convex. Total length clypeus to apex membrane from 3.75–4.25 mm, widest point across hemelytra 1.25–1.38 mm; general coloration dark brown (Fig. 1A).

Figure 1. 

Phytocoris marqua sp. nov. A male dorsal habitus B male endosoma C male genital capsule in dorsal view D right paramere in lateral view E left paramere in lateral view.

Coloration. Head: predominantly dark brown in dorsal view, vertex with two parallel pale spots adjacent to eye margins at medians, frons with macula at approximate midline and anterior to lateral spots by eyes, area between antennal fossae and anterior margin of eyes also with narrow pale band, clypeus with narrow pale horizontal band on burgundy-brown background that transverses clypeus and genae medially in frontal view, maxillary plate with burgundy-brown stripe extending medially across into primarily whitish colored gena in lateral view, buccula burgundy-brown extending with darker coloration patterning along ventral margin of head including xyphus giving appearance of two horizontal dark stripes, labrum golden brown; labium basally burgundy on first segment, distally pale yellow-white on remaining segments; antennal segment I primarily dark burgundy-brown with pale maculae along anterior 2/3 of length and remaining length dark burgundy-brown, segment II with relatively narrow white band basally and wider band medially with remaining coloration dark brown, segment III with narrow pale band basally and remainder coloration dark brown, segment IV completely dark brown; eyes brownish burgundy. Thorax: dorsal 1/2 of propleura dark brown and whitish yellow on ventral 1/2, mesopleura dark brown excluding white margins along mesocoxa, metapleura dark brown with ostiolar peritreme and metathoracic spiracle whitish yellow, anterior of pronotum and collar whitish grey with two dark brown stripes extending anteriorly along lateral angles of calli onto collar, posterior pronotum primarily pale brown with irregular dark brown line weakly connected to darker lateral stripes on anterior portion contrasting with whitish coloration of pronotal posterior margin, mesoscutum dark brown with lateral 1/4 areas whitish yellow, scutellum primarily whitish yellow with dark brown inverted triangle-shape corresponding to brown area of mesoscutum along dorsal 1/2, distal 1/2 variously mottled with dark brown spots; all coxae pale yellowish white with metacoxae possessing dark brown spot on anterior-basal surface, all femora pale whitish yellow basally with increasing coverage of burgundy-brown maculae distally particularly on metafemora, tibiae primarily whitish yellow with burgundy-brown bands of maculae at basal and anterior margins as well as two defined bands medially to form four defined annuli, all tarsal segments dark brown. Hemelytra: predominantly greyish brown with darker blackish brown diffuse stripes along claval vein, cubitus, and costal vein, with dark and pale checkerboard pattern along costal margin and interior margin of cuneus adjacent to membrane, corium adjacent to medial 2/3 of cuneus with large whitish yellow patch extending distally into antero-lateral 1/3 of cuneus, with remaining cuneus dark brown with increasing number of blackish maculae distally towards membrane, membrane primarily comprised of brown maculae excluding two white patches along lateral margins adjacent cuneus apex, veins brown to dark brown. Abdomen: burgundy-brown, apex of lateral tubercle and distal margins of genital segment transitioning to greyish white coloration.

Surface and vestiture. Dorsal surface of head, pronotum, mesoscutum, scutellum and hemelytra with long black erect setae mixed with silvery-sericeous setae, hemelytral surface texture otherwise matte.

Structure. Head: clypeus not visible in dorsal view, vertex relatively rounded and slightly declining posteriorly and dorsal surface of eyes not surpassing vertex in lateral view, eyes relatively small with total height slightly < 1/2 total height head in lateral view, interocular distance slightly < 1/2 total width head, antennal segment I length > 1/2 length II antennal segment and width of head, apex of labium extending to hind coxae. Thorax: collar well-developed, pronotum trapezoidal in shape with developed calli and posterior margin weakly concave, mesoscutum and scutellum relatively flat with declining margins towards clavus, legs relatively narrow with hind legs elongate, pretarsi with convergent parempodia and developed pulvillus. Hemelytra: lateral margins weakly convex on distal 1/2, cuneus with angled declivity. Abdomen: < 1/2 of total body length, apex not reaching apex of wing membrane, genital capsule relatively large, nearly 1/2 total length of abdomen. Genitalia: Genital capsule with a well-developed tubercle on left margin weakly pointed at apex (Fig. 1C). Endosoma with elongate, relatively narrow membrane and two medially located well-developed sclerites; right sclerite basally rounded, distally narrowed with arrow-like shaped apex, attached to basal process below the secondary gonopore; left sclerite relatively wide terminating abruptly into narrow spine-like process pre-apically (Fig. 1B). Left paramere C-shaped with duck-head shaped apex (Fig. 1E). Right paramere leaf-shaped with hook-like apex and six serrated “teeth” on dorsal margin (Fig. 1D).

Female. Unknown

Measurements. Table 1.

Unknown; collected at a light sheet.

Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis County, Texas.

Named for the late entomologist David Marqua, whose property in the Davis Mountains yielded this unique taxon during light sampling. Noun in apposition.

This species is most similar to Phytocoris kerrvillenis Stonedahl based on the shape of the right paramere (particularly the serrations on the dorsal margin), the well-developed tubercle, the rounded base of the right sclerite of the endosoma, and the reduced primary membrane. However, it can easily be separated by the different dorsal patterning, including the completely pale grey scutellum, completely dark brown posterior margin of the pronotum in P. kerrvillenis versus the dark and grey patterning in P. marqua. Further, the differences in the spines on the left paramere that are present on P. kerrvillenis but absent in P. marqua, and the tapered and narrow portion of the right sclerite in P. marqua that is relatively squat and broad in P. kerrvillenis separate the two.

Stonedahl (1988) initially proposed the rostratus species group for taxa that are united by the following characters: brown to dark brown coloration; head usually subquadrate to slightly elongate and strongly produced frons and tylus base, and broad vertex; length of the eye of male subequal to width of vertex except as noted in the species key; dorsum with narrow, dark, scalelike setae mixed with other types of vestiture; and male genitalia with greatly reduced primary membranous sac of endosoma with two sclerotized processes and patches of spinules on the basal lobes. Phytocoris marqua fits these characteristics, but Stonedahl (1995) further refined his concepts of species relationships when conceptualizing his newly described taxa from Texas, P. kerrvillenis, and P. davisi. He grouped these taxa with previously described eastern taxa P. albifacies, P. corticevivens, P. fumatus, P. sulcatus, and P. tuberculatus of Knight’s (1923, 1941) “group 1” based on the following: head mostly pale ventrad of eyes; head with broad, dark band anteriorly stretching uninterrupted between antennal fossae; pronotal collar with series of stout, dark setae dorsally; pronotum with prominent, medially confluent calli, genital capsule with strongly developed tubercle above base of left paramere; endosoma of male with single, elongate primary membranous sac often with spines distally; sclerotized process of endosoma elongate, usually twisted and/or with reflexed margins. Phytocoris marqua fits all these characteristics as well, suggesting it is closely related to this possible monophyletic group though a cladistic analysis should be performed to support this hypothesis.

Holotype male, pinned. Original label: “United States: Texas: Jeff Davis Co.: Davis Mountains Nature Preserve, McIvor Conservation Center, 30.694554 -104.121378, 5902 ft, 17.v.2022, K Menard, UV light” (TAMU). Paratypes: United States: Texas: Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mountains Resort, 5800 ft, (Marqua residence), UV, 30.62842°N, 104.08360°W, 14.x.2011, EG Riley, X0893871 (TAMU), 1 ♂; same collecting event as holotype (USNM), 1♂; Davis Mountains Nature Preserve, McIvor Conservation Center, 30.694554, -104.121378, 5902 ft, 17.v.2022, K Menard, found on Quercus grisea (Fagaceae) (UCONN), 1♂ 1♀.

Recognized by the following characteristics of the junceus species group, but unique in lacking a blunt tubercle on the male genital capsule: the large, elongate body form; short, elliptical head with large eyes, the slightly shiny dorsal surface, vestiture and scutellum without scale-like setae, the elongate right paramere, and the large and coarsely serrate sclerotized process of the endosoma.

Male (n = 3): Macropterous, medium sized, lateral margins parallel-sided. Total length apex to apex membrane 4.63–4.88 mm, widest point across hemelytra 1.5–1.63 mm; general coloration dark brown (Fig. 2A).

Figure 2. 

Phytocoris mcivor sp. nov. A male dorsal habitus B male lateral view C female dorsal habitus D endosoma E right paramere in lateral view F left paramere in lateral view.

Coloration. Head: yellowish white with dark brown to black mottling across vertex and frons increasing in coverage ventrally, apical portion dark brown and ventral margins of clypeus, maxillary plate, and buccula white, labrum golden-brown; first segment of labium pale with thin red stripe along length, second and third segments yellowish, apical segment dark brown; antennal segment I primarily dark brown to black with relatively widely distributed pale maculae along length, segments II and III dark brown with narrow band of white at basal joint with previous segments, segment IV completely dark brown; eyes brownish burgundy. Thorax: dorsum of propleura dark brown on apical three-fourths with whitish coloration on ventral 1/4 adjacent to xyphus and part of procoxae, mesopleura dark brown excluding white margins of spiracle, metapleura dark brown with ventral ½ of ostiolar peritreme and all of spiracle whitish yellow (Fig. 2B), anterior of pronotum and collar whitish yellow with burgundy-brown maculation increasing in coverage distally towards posterior portion, posterior portion of pronotum primarily dark brown with medial horse-shoe-shaped area of paler coloration whose distal apices on posterior margin of pronotum transition to white coloration and interior margin of shape possesses irregular dark brown line adjacent to distal white line to form weak spine-like pattern in dorsal view, mesoscutellum dark brown with two lateral whitish yellow spots, scutellum primarily whitish yellow with two thin dark brown vertical lines adjacent to median that separate posteriorly to form inverted Y-shape pattern; all coxae pale yellowish white with dark brown spot on anterior-basal surfaces, all femora pale whitish yellow basally with increasing dense coverage of black maculae distally, pro-tibiae with basal margin pale yellowish white followed by three bands of dark annuli terminating in dark band at apex of tarsomeres, meso-tibiae matching in pattern to pro-tibiae except terminating in pale band at apex, meta-tibiae completely dark brown with partial white band on ventral surface medially, all tarsal segments dark brown. Hemelytra: predominantly pale grey with dark grey and white patches and black mottling, clavus primarily dark grey on anterior 1/2 transitioning to large white patch mainly distributed along claval suture, corium grey with diffuse brown patches more defined in shape distally, costal margin with dark and pale checkerboard pattern, area of corium adjacent to medial 2/3 of cuneus with large whitish yellow patch extending distally into basal margin of cuneus, with remaining surface coloration of cuneus dark brown with white maculae, membrane with dense brown maculae and single white patches along lateral margins adjacent cuneus apex, veins brown to dark brown. Abdomen: dark brown, margins of gonopore paler brown.

Surface and vestiture. dorsal surface of head, pronotum, mesoscutum, scutellum and hemelytra with long black erect setae mixed with silvery-sericeous setae and some dark setae in defined patches on apex of clavus and interior margin of cuneus, hemelytral surface texture relatively smooth and shiny. Structure: Head: tylus and clypeus not visible in dorsal view, vertex relatively rounded and slightly declining posteriorly and dorsal surface of eyes surpassing vertex in lateral view, eyes relatively large with total height > 1/2 total height head in lateral view, interocular distance less than width of single eye, antennal segment I length greater than width of head, apex of labium extending to genital capsule. Thorax: collar relatively thin but well developed, pronotum trapezoidal in shape with developed calli and posterior margin weakly concave, mesoscutum and scutellum relatively flat with declining margins towards clavus, legs relatively narrow with hind legs elongate, pretarsus with convergent parempodia and developed pulvillus. Hemelytra: lateral margins parallel sided, cuneus with shallow declivity. Abdomen: ~ < 1/2 of total body length, apex not reaching apex of wing membrane, genital capsule relatively small being 1/3 total length of abdomen. Genitalia: genital capsule without a tubercule on left margin of gonopore. Endosoma with primary membranous sac developed into three well developed lobes, two of whose apices extend past adjacent sclerotized process anterior margin; right sclerotized process overall shape cone-like, with serrated margin on interior lateral edge comprised of nine “teeth” curved medially, bean-shaped sclerotized patch adjacent to median with spine-like processes (Fig. 2D). Left paramere C-shaped with post-medial indentation on dorsal surface, broadening distally until abruptly terminating into ventrally oriented, hook-like apex (Fig. 2F). Right paramere elongate and narrow with angulate anterior curvature at apex also terminating into defined point (Fig. 2E).

Females (n = 2). Same as males in coloration, surface, vestiture and structure aside from being slightly smaller and having relatively wider interocular distance relative to width of head (Fig. 2C).

Measurements. Table 1.

Quercus grisea Liebmann (Fagaceae).

Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis County and Brewster County, Texas.

Named for the McIvor Conservation Center of the Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve, where this species was discovered on an adjacent oak tree and light sheet. Noun in apposition.

Phytocoris mcivor sp. nov. appears to be most closely related to Phytocoris quercinus Stonedahl and Phytocoris intermontanus Stonedahl of Stonedahl’s (1988) junceus species group, and in fact keys to the couplet separating the two. The apices of the tibiae are pale in coloration which should key it out to P. quercinus, but the shaft of the left paramere is narrow in P. quercinus whereas and has a “dip” medially in P. mcivor. Further, the right paramere in P. quercinus does not have the hook-like apex of P. quercinus. Lastly, P. mcivor only has eight serrations on the sclerotized process of the endosoma versus the 13 or more of P. quercinus. The other species, P. intermontanus, has dark apices of the tarsi and differs by the shape of the serrations of the sclerotized process, being larger, more elongate serrations particularly on the lower half of the structure despite the similar number as P. mcivor. The apex of the right paramere in P. mcivor is also more similar in shape to P. intermontanus, with the hook-like apex, but the curvature is more angulate. Phytocoris decurvatus Knight also looks superficially similar to P. mcivor but can be separated by the cone-like shape of the sclerotized process and relatively wide right paramere. All four species also have host plants in the genus Quercus L. (Fagaceae), which differs from the primarily coniferous hosts of other members of the junceus species group (Stonedahl 1988).

As Stonedahl (1988) summarized, the junceus species group was established by Knight (1974) for a more widely distributed group of taxa beyond the Western United States and including taxa from southern Canada and the northern United States. These taxa are unified by the large, elongate body form; short, elliptical head with large eyes, the slightly shiny dorsal surface, vestiture and scutellum without scale-like setae, and the structure of the male genitalia, particularly the elongate right paramere, large and coarsely serrate sclerotized process of the endosoma, and the genital capsule usually with a large, blunt tubercle above the paramere bases. Phytocoris mcivor possesses all these characteristics except the blunt tubercle, which is absent.

Holotype male, pinned. Original label: “United States: Texas: Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mts. Resort, 5,800 ft, (Marqua residence), UV, 30.62842°N 104.0360°W, X-14-2011 E. G. Riley, X0891959” (TAMU). Paratypes: United States of America: Texas: Jeff Davis Co. McDonald Observatory, 2135 m, 10.ix.1988, RS Anderson, (AMNH_PBI 00419795—AMNH_PBI 00419796) (CNC) 2♂; same collecting event as holotype, X0893720 (UCONN), X0894589, X0894161 (TAMU) 3♂. Brewster Co. BBNP, Pine Canyon Camp Area no. 4: 4,700 ft, 29°15'59"N, 103°14'04"W, 1.x.2005, Raber & Riley, 1♂ (TAMU); New Mexico: Catron Co.: Rt. 12 at Sand Flat Road (B032), 5 km NE Aragon, 2125 m, 17.ix.2015, 33°54.887'N, 108°30.320'W, AG Wheeler & TJ Henry, ex. Baileya sp.? (USNM), 1♂; Sandoval Co.: Rt. 4, 6.5 km N of Jemez Springs, 2050 m, 14.ix.2015, at Jaromillo Creek, 2600 m, 39°53.4637'N, 106°29.771'W, AG Wheeler & TJ Henry, ex. Juniperus monosperma (USNM), 1♀.

Belonging to the hopi group and distinguished by the combination of the relatively large size, the overall pale-beige coloration of the hemelytra with dark brown stripes on lateral margins of the head and pronotum, the white medial line extending along the apex of the scutellum to the median of the tylus of head, the yellowish coloration of the claval vein, and the elongate shape of the right paramere.

Male (n = 5): Macropterous, relatively large, lateral margins weakly convex. Total length apex to apex membrane 5.5–6 mm, widest point across hemelytra 1.25–1.375 mm; general coloration beige and brown (Fig. 3A).

Figure 3. 

Phytocoris rileyi sp. nov. A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C male genital capsule in lateral view D endosoma E right paramere in lateral view F left paramere in lateral view.

Coloration. Head: primarily whitish beige with white midline stripe along length of head from base of vertex to median of tylus, dark narrow stripes along lateral margins of vertex as well as under eyes to antennal fossae, and horizontal dark stripe broken by vertical white stripe on top of vertex, frons with transverse dark markings associated with musculature attachment, maxillary plate whitish with dark ventral margin, buccula white, labrum white; first segment of labium pale, apical segments transitioning to dark brown; antennal segment I dark with dense white mottling and white stripe on latero-ventral surface extending three-fourths of basal length, segments II and III pale brown to beige with narrow band of white at basal joint with previous segments, segment IV completely dark brown; eyes pale pinkish brown. Thorax: propleura whitish beige with three narrow horizontal dark brown stripes corresponding with stripes on lateral side of head, anterior-most stripe corresponding to lateral margin of pronotum, mesopleura whitish beige with dark brown horizontal stripe roughly corresponding to medial stripe on propleura and additional dark stripe ventrally, metapleura mostly dark brown with ventral 1/2 of ostiolar peritreme, spiracle margins, and coxal margins white, pronotal collar with two sets of narrow vertical brown lines with one set corresponding to dorsal brown stripe of propleuron and other dark stripes on vertex, collar and pronotum primarily whitish yellow with elongate vertical white stripe with lateral dark brown margins extending to posterior margin of pronotum, at approximate median of pronotal length two additional vertical dark brown dashes on roughly parallel but removed from lateral margins, posterior of pronotum with diffuse darkening to pale brown adjacent to apical lateral margin above defined white line of posterior margin, mesoscutellum dark brown with two sets of whitish yellow markings adjacent to lateral angles, scutellum primarily whitish with dark brown M” shape medially; all coxae whitish beige with dark brown anterior margins on meso- and metacoxae, pro and mesofemora whitish yellow with dark brown spots forming diffuse vertical stripes on apical 1/2 to 2/3 length, metafemora primarily whitish yellow on ventral surface and dark brown on dorsal surface suffused with white spots, pro-tibiae and meso-tibiae white with faint pale brown spots, meta-tibiae whitish beige gradually darkening distally to pale brown adjacent tarsus and with short dark brown vertical stripe on ventral surface adjacent joint with femora as well as dark brown stripe ~ 1/5 of total length away from basal joint, all tarsal segments dark brown. Hemelytra: predominantly whitish beige to yellowish with dark brown stripes and markings, clavus whitish beige becoming more yellow in coloration adjacent claval vein, claval vein contrasting golden brown, corium anteriorly white suffusing with dark brown spots adjacent median of clavus, distally becoming yellow-white and then dark brown at apex with membrane, corium also with dark vertical lines corresponding with claval suture, cubitus and radial veins, brief white patch adjacent apex of radial vein on interior margin, cuneus beige-white with dark brown checkerboard patterning on interior margin with membrane, membrane with dense brown maculae and two white patches along lateral margins adjacent cuneus apex and along medial edge, anal ridge pinkish yellow, membrane veins beige. Abdomen: beige with defined horizontal black and white stripe along midline and diffuse dark brown horizontal streaks along dorsal and ventral surface, lateral tubercle beige, margin of genital segment thinly lined with dark brown to black.

Surface and vestiture. First antennal segment densely covered with whitish setae, dorsal surface of head, pronotum, mesoscutum, scutellum and hemelytra with long black erect setae mixed with silvery-sericeous setae distributed throughout as well as in defined areas such as patches of dark setae on apex of clavus, embolium, and interior margin of cuneus and white sericeous setae on medial stripe of mesoscutellum and scutellum, hemelytral surface texture otherwise matte; lateral margins of thorax and abdomen with distributed silvery sericeous setae.

Structure. Head: tylus and clypeus strongly produced and visible in dorsal view, tylus nearly projecting anteriorly beyond clypeus, vertex relatively flat and slightly declining posteriorly, and dorsal surface of eyes surpassing vertex in lateral view, eyes relatively small with total heigh eye > ½ total height head in lateral view, interocular distance greater than both eye widths combined, antennal segment I length greater than width of head, apex of labium extending almost to genital capsule. Thorax: collar relatively broad and well developed, pronotum elongate-trapezoidal in shape without well-developed calli and posterior margin relatively flat, mesoscutum and scutellum slightly rounded with declining margins towards clavus, legs narrow with hind legs especially elongate, pretarsus with convergent parempodia and developed pulvillus. Hemelytra: lateral margins parallel sided, cuneus with shallow declivity. Genitalia: Genital capsule with well-defined tubercle on left margin of gonopore (Fig. 3C). Endosoma with primary membranous relatively weakly developed and not extending far beyond median to basal margins of sclerotized processes; right sclerotized process elongated and narrow, forming almost L-shape, ending bluntly in relatively rounded apex; left sclerotized process also very elongate and relatively sinuous, nearly parallel in curvature to right process excluding apex, which straightens to overlap apex of right sclerite (Fig. 3D). Left paramere C-shaped with post-medial indentation on dorsal surface, broadening distally and terminating to small spine-like apex (Fig. 3F). Right paramere relatively narrow, thinning towards distal 1/5 until widening again into leaf-like apex with distal point (Fig. 3E).

Female. Similar to males in overall size and coloration, but with brachypterous wings whose apex barely surpasses median of abdomen length. Membrane reduced to sliver adjacent interior margins of cuneus (Fig. 3B).

Measurements. Table 1.

Juniperus monosperma (Engelm.) Sarg. (Cupressaceae) and Baileya sp. (Asteraceae). Males also collected at a light sheet.

Jeff Davis Co., Texas and Catron Co. and Sandoval Co., New Mexico.

Named for Edward E. Riley, whose extensive fieldwork across Texas has led to the discovery of this species and many others. Noun in apposition.

This species clearly belongs in the Stonedahl (1988) hopi species group based on its possession of the following characters: the greyish brown coloration; the quadrate head with a prominent tylus; the small obovate eyes; the long first antennal segment; the narrow, black scalelike setae and silvery white, sericeous setae, and the endosoma with a reduced primary membranous sac of the endosoma with two large, sick-shaped sclerotized processes. Phytocoris rileyi sp. nov. appears to be most closely related to both P. nigrolineatus Knight and P. pallidilineatus Stonedahl based on the dark striped patterning on the pro-pleura, the coloration of the hemelytron, and the shape of the sclerites on the male endosoma. Both species are also found in Texas, but this species is separated from P. nigrolineatus by the yellow coloration of the claval vein versus the brown coloration of P. nigrolineatus, the fully developed black and white vertical lines on the first antennal segment (it is only a partial white line in P. rileyi, often not clearly defined), the differing shape of the right paramere (elongate in P. rileyi, squat and broad in P. nigrolineatus), and the shape of the left paramere (apex of paramere in P. rileyi is relatively expanded, whereas in P. nigrolineatus widest pre-apically). Phytocoris pallidilineatus is also different from P. rileyi in the possession of two tubercles on the lateral margin of the gonopore versus the one tubercle found in P. rileyi, and the membrane between the sclerites in the male endosoma being more developed in P. pallidilineatus.

Only males were collected in Jeff Davis Co. and at lights, but subsequent investigation of undetermined Phytocoris material at the USNM revealed an additional single female and male specimen from New Mexico that included potential host plant information. As with other members of the hopi group, the female specimen is brachypterous with wings reduced to just the clavus and embolium. However, the overall coloration and patterning clearly matches the males, and we include this specimen’s information to round out our current knowledge of this species beyond Texas.

Holotype male, pinned. Original label: “United States: Texas: Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mts Preserve, Madera Canyon Overlook Trail, 30.6961 -104.1234, 5937 ft, 30.viii.2022 K. Menard, found on Quercus gravesii (Fagaceae)” (TAMU). Paratypes: United States: Texas: Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mts. Resort, 5,800 ft (Marqua residence), UV, 30.62842°N, 104.08360°W, 4–5.vii. 2009, E & ML Riley, TAMU-ENTO X0615593 (UCONN) 1♂; same collecting event as holotype (USNM) 1♂, 1♀.

This species is diagnostic for the rostratus group based on the dark brown coloration, the subquadrate head with a broad vertex, a dorsum with narrow, dark, scalelike setae mixed with other types of vestiture, and male genitalia with greatly reduced primary membranous sac of endosoma with two sclerotized processes. It is unique, however, in the Z-like shape and spinose apex of the left endosomal sclerite in combination with the hook-like right endosomal sclerite.

Description. Male (n = 2): Macropterous, medium-sized, lateral margins relatively straight. Total length clypeus to apex membrane from 4.5 mm, widest point across hemelytra 1.25 mm; general coloration dark brown and grey (Fig. 4A).

Figure 4. 

Phytocoris schmitzi sp. nov. A male dorsal habitus B male lateral view C male genital capsule in lateral view D endosoma E lateral view of left paramere F dorsal view of left paramere G lateral view of right paramere.

Coloration. Head: predominantly pale brown in dorsal view, vertex with two small pale colored spots adjacent to eye margin and slightly darker horizontal line medially, frons with paler brown colored patterning associated with cyberium muscle attachment sites, clypeus dorsally pale with burgundy V-shaped pattern medially and parallel with antennal fossae and ventrally burgundy with two lateral white spots at apex, jugum white with dark burgundy horizontal band ventrad to antennal fossa in frontal view, maxillary plate and buccula burgundy-brown dorsally and ventrally white forming stripes that extend posteriorly, giving appearance of two horizontal dark stripes along head and continuing posteriorly behind eyes in lateral view, labrum pale white; labium basally pale white with first segment possessing short horizontal burgundy stripe that darkens distally to dark brown apex; antennal segment I dark burgundy-brown with pale maculae along dorsal surface, segment II pale brown with relatively narrow white band basally and slight darkening to darker brown on distal 1/3, segment III with narrow pale band basally and remainder color dark brown, segment IV completely dark brown; eyes brownish burgundy with some paler areas roughly corresponding to lateral stripe patterning on head. Thorax: propleura dark brown with white on ventral margin with procoxa, mesopleura dark brown excluding white margins along mesocoxa, metapleura dark brown with ostiolar peritreme and metathoracic spiracle whitish yellow, pronotal collar dark brown with narrow vertical white stripe medially and two laterally posterior to eyes (Fig. 4B), anterior of pronotum pale brown with slightly darker brown calli and lateral margins, posterior pronotum primarily pale grey with irregular horizontal dark brown line parallel to white posterior margin, dark brown line on posterior margin possessing six slightly raised tumid points visible in lateral view, mesoscutum dark brown with spots of slightly paler coloration on lateral margins, scutellum primarily dark brown with slightly paler brown on posterior lateral margins and with white apex extending medially as white stripe to approximate median; pro and mesocoxa white with basal burgundy-brown spot, metacoxa white with basal 1/3 burgundy-brown and with short basal-posterior burgundy-stripe distally, pro and mesofemora pale whitish yellow basally with increasing coverage of burgundy-brown maculae distally that sometimes form vertical bands, metafemora with very dense burgundy-brown maculae with some white areas on ventral surface basally, protibiae dark brown with white maculae on basal 0/3 and one white stripe medially and second at ~ 1/4 length distally, mesotibia with similar patterning to protibiae but with less defined margins of white stripes, metatibiae primarily pale brown with dark brown maculae basally becoming more diffuse distally, all tarsal segments dark brown. Hemelytra: predominantly pale grey with darker blackish brown diffuse areas, clavus darker brown with sporadic dark brown maculae for majority of anterior surface and transitioning to pale grey along claval margin and claval suture, corium pale brownish grey darkening to dark brown to form lines along costal vein, costal margins and lateral margins adjacent to cuneal fracture as well as whitish patches adjacent to anterior margin of cuneus extending anteriorly approximately equidistant to length of cuneus, corium also with black spot corresponding with dark setae on distal margin with cuneus, cuneus primarily pale brown with thin white margin along cuneal fracture and dark brown to black patches at apex and median margin with membrane corresponding to patches of black setae, membrane primarily comprised of brown maculae excluding two white patches along lateral margins adjacent cuneus apex, veins brown to dark brown. Abdomen: burgundy-brown coloration dorsally and distally with whiteish pale on ventral surface of anterior 1/2, apex of lateral tubercle and distal margins of genital segment transitioning to greyish white coloration.

Surface and vestiture. Dorsal surface of head, pronotum, mesoscutum, scutellum, and hemelytra with long black erect setae evenly distributed and mixed with silvery-sericeous setae as well as in defined patches such as the apex of the clavus, distal apex of the corial margin, and two patches adjacent margin of corium and cuneus with the wing membrane, hemelytral surface texture otherwise matte. Structure: Head: clypeus visible in dorsal view, vertex rounded and slightly declining posteriorly, dorsal surface of eyes not surpassing vertex in lateral view, eye height ~ 1/2 of total height of head in lateral view, interocular distance slightly < 1/2 total width head, antennal segment I relatively long with length nearly twice width head, apex of labium extending past hind coxae. Thorax: collar well-developed, pronotum trapezoidal in shape with faintly developed calli, posterior of pronotum with six weakly protruding tumid points adjacent posterior margin, posterior margin weakly concave in dorsal view, mesoscutum and scutellum relatively flat with declining margins towards clavus, legs relatively narrow with hind legs elongate, pretarsi with convergent parempodia and developed pulvillus. Hemelytra: lateral margins nearly parallel-sided, cuneus with weak declivity. Abdomen: less than ½ of total body length, apex not reaching apex of wing membrane, genital capsule relatively large, nearly 1/2 total length of abdomen. Genitalia: Genital capsule with relatively small but well-developed tubercle on left margin, pointed at apex (Fig. 4C). Endosoma with broad membranous lobes covered with minute spines and spiculi, and three medially located well-developed sclerites; right sclerite basally rounded, distally narrowed with hook-like apex, medial narrow and elongate as well as sclerite weakly sclerotized, and left sclerite elongate apically covered with spines and forming sinuate Z-shape (Fig. 4D). Left paramere L-shaped with relatively broad dorsal margin medially marked with dorsal notch and pointed apex along with pointed sensory lobe (Fig. 4E, F). Right paramere elongate and narrow, with slight preapical widening before tapering into a hook-like apex (Fig. 4G).

Female. Similar to male in coloration and structure, but slightly larger in size.

Measurements. Table 1.

Quercus gravesii Sudworth (Fagacaeae). One additional male was collected at lights.

Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis County, Texas.

Named for coleopterist Ashley Schmitz whose invitation to assist in the biodiversity survey of the Nature Conservancy property led to the discovery of this new species. Noun in apposition.

Two males and one female specimen was available for dissection and documentation of this new species; both males were dissected to confirm their species identity. One additional male was collected with this series but was teneral and therefore not measured or dissected. Phytocoris schmitzi also fits into the rostratus group of Stonedahl (1988) based on the same characters that place P. marqua in the category, particularly the characteristics of the two sclerotized processes of the male genitalia. P. schmitzi is most superficially similar to Phytocoris cienega from Presidio, Texas in the coloration patterning and possession of 4–6 weakly elevated points on the posterior margin of the pronotum. However, the first antennal segment in P. schmitzi is wider than the width of the head unlike narrower in P. cienega. Also, there were significant differences in the male genitalia including the relatively wide and developed tubercle on the lateral margin of the genital capsule and the sinuate Z-like shape of the left sclerotized process (Fig. 4D).

Davis Mountains Nature Preserve, McIvor Center. 30.6986, -104.1161, 5895 ft, 29.vii.2022, K Menard, found on Juniperus deppeana (Cupressaceae) (UCONN), 1♂; Davis Mountains, Madera Canyon Road, Sweep. 30.6986, -104.1161, 5895 ft, 28.vii.2022, A Schmitz (UCONN), 1♂; Ft. Davis, 30.v.1959, Howden & Becker, (CNC) AMNH_PBI 00419791, 1♂; Ft. Davis, 30.v.1959, Howden & Becker, (CNC) AMNH_PBI 00419799, 1♀; Wild Rose Pass on Hwy. 17, 7.viii.1992, W Godwin & E Riley, X0961678 (TAMU), 1♀.

Figure 5. 

Phytocoris baboquivari A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Davis Mountains State Park, 10.xix.1988, RS Anderson (TAMU), X0426919, 1♀; Ft. Davis, 30.v.1959, Howden & Becker, (CNC) AMNH_PBI 00419801, 1♀.

Figure 6. 

Phytocoris berbericola A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Davis Mountains Nature Preserve, McIvor Center, 30.6986, -104.1161, 5895 ft. 29.vii.2022, K Menard, (UCONN), 1♂; Davis Mountains Resort, upper Limpia Creek Canyon, 6180 ft, 30°37'48"N, 104°07'59"W, 14.iv.2002, UV light, EG Riley & MJ Yoder, (TAMU), X0896969, 1♂; Ft. Davis, 30.v.1959, Howden & Becker, (CNC) AMNH_PBI 00419806, 1♂; Davis Mt., Ft. Davis, 11.viii.1957, RH Arnett, (CNC) AMNH_PBI 00419807–00419808, 2♂; Davis Mountains State Park, 11iv.2002, blacklight, Cognato & Usener, (TAMU) X0897241, 1♂; Davis Mountains Resort, Marqua residence, UV light, 5800 ft, 30.62842°N, 104.0836°W, 4–5.vii.2009, E & ML Riley, (TAMU), X06157159, 1♂, X0613939,1♂; 11.vii.2002, UV light, EG Riley & MJ Yoder, (TAMU), X0892242, 1♂, X0893204, 1♂, X0892058, 1♂, X0893239, 1♂, X0894672, 1♂.

Figure 7. 

Phytocoris carnosulus A holotype male dorsal habitus B holotype male lateral view C female dorsal habitus D holotype specimen labels E female dorsal habitus F endosoma.

Davis Mountains State Park, V-25-2001, J Usener, MV (TAMU), 894662 1♂. Davis Mountains State Park, 30.59583°N, 103.92972°W, 1533 m, 6.x.1988, MD Schwartz, Berberis trifoliolata Moric. (Berberidaceae), (AMNH_ENT 00071419) 2♀.

Figure 8. 

Phytocoris cinereus A male dorsal habitus. B female dorsal habitus. C endosoma.

Davis Mountains Resort, Marqua residence, 5800 ft, 30.62842°N, 104.08360°W, UV light, 14.x.2011, EG Riley, (TAMU), X0893771 1♂, X0892613 1♂, X0894139 1♂, X0894420 1♂; X0892719 1♀, X0893622 1♀, X094005 1♀, X0894312 1♀, X089455 1♀, X0891699 1♂, X0893079 1♂; 4–5.vii.2009, E & ML Riley, UV light (TAMU), X0613984 1♂, X0615821 1♂, X0615512 1♂, X0615736 1♂, X0614854 1♂, X0613977 1♂, X0615796 1♂; 8.vii.1992, W Godwin & E Riley, (TAMU), XO904452 1♂; Rest stop 9.5 mi S jct. highway 118 & 106, 24.vii.1989, EG Riley, (TAMU), X0904452 1♂; Davis Mountains Nature Conservancy, McIvor Center, 30.6986, -104.1161, 5895 ft, MV light, K Menard, (UCONN), 1♂.

Figure 9. 

Phytocoris decurvatus A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Davis Mountains Preserve, Madera Canyon Overlook Trail, 30.6961, -104.1234, 5937 ft, 30.viii.2022, K Menard, (UCONN), 1♀; McDonald Observatory, 3.ix.1986, DA East, PW Kovarik, Haack, (TAMU), X0889398 1♀, X0889295 1♀, X0890194 1♂, X0890200 1♀, X0889440 1♀, X0889009 1♀, X0889683 1♀, X0887760 1♂; Davis Mountains State Park, 5200 ft, 6.x.1988, MD Schwartz, Quercus chihuahuaensis Trel. (Fagaceae), Det. K Nixon (LHB Hort), (AMNH), AMNH_ENT_00074543 1♂, AMNH_ENT_00074574 1♀.

Figure 10. 

Phytocoris interspersus A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Davis Mountains Resort, D. Marqua residence, 5800 ft, 8.vii.1992, W Godwin & E Riley, (TAMU), X0904823 1♂; Davis Mountains Hwy 118, McDonald Observatory, 30°41'12"N, 104°02'04"W, 1892 m, 14.viii.2001, JC Schaffner, (TAMU), X0965350 1♂.

Figure 11. 

Phytocoris juniperanus A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Fort Davis, 9.viii.1969, VV Board & JE Hafernik, (TAMU), X0892919 1♂; Sawtooth Mountain Park, 29.v.1973, GC Gaumer & WE Clark, (TAMU), X0890480 1♂.

Figure 12. 

Phytocoris listi A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Texas: Presidio Co.: Presidio, 29.56056°N, 104.37167°W, 788 m, 21.viii.1968, JE Hafernik, (CNC) (AMNH_PBI 00419812) 1♂.

This species was recorded from the literature in Jeff Davis County by a paratype designated by Stonedahl deposited at the CAS. For documentation purposes of the habitus and male genitalia of this species, we utilized specimens from the synoptic set deposited at the CNC instead to minimize potential damage to the one type specimen for the purpose of this paper.

Figure 13. 

Phytocoris maricopae A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Davis Mountains Nature Conservancy, McIvor Center, 30.6986, -104.1161, 5895 ft, 29.viii.2022, K Menard, Quercus emoryii (Fagaceae) (UCONN), 1♂ 2♀; UV light (UCONN), 1♂ 1♀; Davis Mountains Resort, Marqua residence, 5800 ft, 30.62842°N, 104.08360°W, 4–5.vii.2009, E & ML Riley, UV light (TAMU), X0614291 1♂, X0614128 1♂; X0615700 1♂; 14.x.2011, EG Riley, UV light (TAMU), X0892569 1♂; 17.v.1993, D Marqua, Malaise trap (TAMU), X0963590 1♀, X0619262 1♂.

Figure 14. 

Phytocoris olseni A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Davis Mountains, Madera Canyon, 26.v.2001, J Usener, MV (TAMU), X0895017 1♀, X0895438 1♀.

Figure 15. 

Phytocoris ramosus A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Presidio Co.: 29.vii.1968, ML Allender, (TAMU), X0962477 1♂.

Because only females were available for records in Jeff Davis County, male habitus and genitalia photos were taken from specimens collected in adjacent Presidio County.

Fort Davis State Park, 24.viii.1970, JR Sweet & MH Sweet (TAMU), X0957617 1♀, X0889901 1♂, X0958831 1♂, X0959031 1♂; 1 mi W of Fort Davis, 20.vii.1968 (TAMU), X0959886 1♀; 22.viii.1968 (TAMU), X0889812 1♂; 5 mi S of Fort Davis, 6.vi.1972, WE Clark, (TAMU), X0891178 1♂.

Figure 16. 

Phytocoris relativus A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma anterior view D endosoma posterior view.

Davis Mountains, Madera Canyon Road 0.5 mi S water pump, 30.6649, -104.1544, 6216 ft, 29.viii.2022, K Menard, found on Poaceae sweeping (UCONN), 1♂; Davis Mountains, Madera Canyon Road, sweeping, 30.6686, -104.1161, 5895 ft, 28.viii.2022 A Schmitz, (UCONN), 1♂ 2♀; Davis Mountains Nature Conservancy, McIvor Center, 30.6986, -104.1161, 5895 ft, 29.vii.2022, K Menard (UCONN), 1♀.

Figure 17. 

Phytocoris roseipennis A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma posterior view D endosoma anterior view.

McDonald Observatory, 10.ix.1988, RS Anderson, (TAMU), X0894515 1♀, X0893339 1♂, X0891748 1♀.

Figure 18. 

Phytocoris schuhi A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma posterior view D endosoma anterior view.

Davis Mountains Resort, 5800 ft, 24.ix.2005, DG Marqua, (TAMU), X0896445, 1♂.

Brewster Co.: Big Bend National Park, Canyon Camp Area no. 4,4700 ft, 29°15'59"N, 103°14'04"W, 1.x.2005, Raber & Riley, 57 (TAMU), X096259 1♀, X0963758 1♂; Presidio Co.: Big Bend Ranch State National Area, Tres Papalotes, 1.xi.1989, 89/027, G Zolnerowich, (TAMU), X0961740 1♀.

Figure 19. 

Phytocoris seminotatus A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Habitus figures are from adjacent Brewster Co., Texas specimens because the lone male specimen of P. seminotatus from Jeff Davis Co. was directly pinned, and unfortunately broke in half when the genitalic capsule was being dissected. The component body parts were re-glued onto a card and associated with the genitalia, which was imaged for the manuscript.

Davis Mountain Nature Preserve, McIvor Conservation Center, 30.695554, -104.121378, 5902 ft, 17.v.2022 K Menard, UV light (UCONN), 1♂ 1♀; TNC Davis Mountains Preserve, Right Hand Loop, 30.837361, -104.0338989, 17.v.2021, AJ Schmitz, (UCONN), 1♂; Davis Mountains Nature Preserve, 0.25 mi S. McIvor Conservation Center, 30.699739, -104.115493, 5903 ft, 18.v.2022, K Menard, found on Pinus cembroides (Pinaceae) (UCONN), 4♂ 2♀; Davis Mountains Hwy 118, 8 mi NW McDonald Observatory, 30°42'22"N, 104°06'17"W, 1892 m, 14.viii.2001, JC Schaffner, (TAMU), X0964873 1♀, X0965043 1♀, X0965087 1♂, X0903693 1♂, X0964010 1♂, X0964011 1♀, X0966544 1♂, X0964749 1♂, X0904140 1♀; Davis Mountains Resort, Marqua residence, 5800 ft, 30.62842°N, 104.08360°W, 21.vi.2011, Quinn & Riley, (TAMU), X0619885 1♂, X0620181 1♂, X0620533 1♂, X0620265 1♂, X0620422 1♂, X0620491 1♂; VIII-8-1992, UV light, W Godwin & E Riley, (TAMU), X0962470 1♂, X0962855 1♂, X0962417 1♂; 31.v.1993, Malaise Trap, D Marqua, (TAMU), X0966647 1♂; 10–17.v.1993, Malaise Trap, D Marqua, (TAMU), X0968119 1♂; 14.x.2011, UV light, EG Riley, (TAMU), X0890293 1♀, X0894660 1♂, X0891329 1♂, X0891883 1♀; Rest Stop, 9.5 mi S junction Hwy 118 on 166, 9.viii.1992, UV light, W Godwin & E Riley, (TAMU), X0901968 1♂, X0903350 1♂; Madera Canyon rest stop, highway 118, 9.vii.1992, W Godwin & E Riley, (TAMU), X0968946 1♂.

Figure 20. 

Phytocoris simulatus A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

Arizona: Cochise County, vicinity of Portal, 2.v.1978, RT Schuh, collected on Larrea divaricata, (CNC) AMNH_PBI_419933, 1♂; New Mexico: Eddy County, Hope, 22.vii.1967, LA Kelton, collected on Larreasp. (CNC) AMNH_PBI_419921, 1♀; AMNH_PBI_419920, 1♂.

Figure 21. 

Phytocoris vanduzeei A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.

This species is recorded on Larrea divaricata Cav. (Stonedahl 1988) as a host plant, which is sparsely distributed on the lower elevation areas of the county (personal observation). We found nymphs of this bug on L. divaricata at the Chiricahua Desert Research Institute to confirm its presence in Jeff Davis County, but to document the morphology we utilized adult specimens from the CNC from Stonedahl’s reference collection that were collected in Arizona and New Mexico.

Davis Mountains Resort, Marqua residence, 5800 ft, 30.62842°N, 104.08360°W, UV light, 14.x.2011, EG Riley, (TAMU), X0893108 1♂, X0894003 1♂, X0894801 1♂; 10.v.1993, malaise trap, D Marqua, (TAMU), X0968174 1♀; 21.vi.2011, UV light, Quinn & Riley, (TAMU), X0620548 1♂; Davis Mountains Hwy 118, McDonald Observatory, 30°41'12"N, 104°02'04"W, 1892 m, 14.viii.2001, JC Schaffner, (TAMU), X0963246 1♀, X0962350 1♂, X096038 1♂, X0966510 1♂, X0961621 1♀, X0964260 1♂, X0966474 1♂, X0966536 1♀; Davis Mountains Resort, Marqua residence, 5800 ft, 30.62842°N, 104.08360°W, 4–5.vii.2009, E & ML Riley, UV light (TAMU), X0614513 1♂.

Figure 22. 

Phytocoris varius A male dorsal habitus B female dorsal habitus C endosoma.