Research Article
Print
Research Article
Renicoris robustus, a new genus and species of the subfamily Harpactorinae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) from China
expand article infoJianyun Wang‡, Zhuo Chen§, Ping Zhao|, Wanzhi Cai§
‡ Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
§ China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| Nanning Normal University, Nanning, China

Corresponding author: Ping Zhao ( zpyayjl@126.com )

Corresponding author: Wanzhi Cai ( caiwz@cau.edu.cn )

Academic editor: Jader Oliveira
© 2023 Jianyun Wang, Zhuo Chen, Ping Zhao, Wanzhi Cai.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation: Wang J, Chen Z, Zhao P, Cai W (2023) Renicoris robustus, a new genus and species of the subfamily Harpactorinae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) from China. ZooKeys 1182: 331-338. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1182.108219
ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D94364C3-71CE-4628-AC95-9A865C16531E
Open Access

Abstract

Renicoris gen. nov. and its type species Renicoris robustus sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from Yunnan, China, are described and illustrated. A key to separate the new genus and its closely related genera is provided.

Key words

Assassin bug, Euagorasini, key, morphology, new species, taxonomy

Introduction

Harpactorinae is the largest subfamily of Reduviidae, including more than 2000 species and 300 genera worldwide, and 191 spe`cies and 55 genera in China (Maldonado-Capriles 1990; Zhao et al. 2009, 2014a, b, 2015a, b, 2021; Chen et al. 2020, 2022). However, the tribe-level systematic relationship in Harpactorinae is in debate due to the complex morphological variation and the high biodiversity within the subfamily. The taxonomic status of several harpactorine tribes, Euagorasini Distant, 1904, Rhaphidosomoni Jeannal, 1919, Rhynocorini Villiers, 1982 and Sycanini Dohrn, 1859 are not recognized by all taxonomists (Distant 1904; Hsiao and Ren 1981; Forero 2011). It is worthwhile to study whether some generic groups should be promoted to tribal level.

During fieldwork to Yunnan Province in southwestern China, we discovered an undescribed, rare, and unique species belonging to the tribe Euagorasini. Euagorasini was established by Distant (1904) based on the following characters: body slender; head with a pair of spines or tubercules at the base of the antennae; lateral pronotal angles generally produced into spines. The tribe consists of 29 genera and 76 species in China (Hsiao and Ren 1981; Cai and Tomokuni 2003; Chen et al. 2005; Truong et al. 2005; Zhao et al. 2006a, b, 2014a, 2021; Huang et al. 2007; Chen et al. 2020). The head of the undescribed species has a small round tubercle behind the base of the antennal tubercle, which is an important common character for all genera of Euagorasini (Distant 1904; Hsiao and Ren 1981). We could not assign it to any known genus and have therefore erected a new monotypic genus to accommodate it. A key to the new genus and related genera is provided.

Material and method

This study is based on material deposited in the Entomological Museum of China Agricultural University (CAU), Beijing, China. External structures were examined using a binocular dissecting microscope. Male genitalia were soaked in hot 90% lactic acid for ~10 min to remove soft tissue, then rinsed in hot distilled water and dissected under a microscope. Dissected parts of the genitalic structures were placed in a plastic microvial with lactic acid under the corresponding specimen. All habitus photographs were taken using Canon D60 SLR camera (Canon Inc., Tokyo, Japan). All photographs of the male genitalia were taken with the aid of the Research Stereo Microscope SMZ25 (Nikon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Measurements were obtained using a calibrated micrometer; body length was measured from the apex of the head to the tip of the fore wings in a resting position; maximum width of the pronotum was measured across humeral angles. All measurements are given in millimeters. Morphological terminology and the classification system mainly followed those of Cai and Tomokuni (2003), Davis (1966) and Hsiao and Ren (1981).

Taxonomy

Subfamily Harpactorinae Amyot & Servile, 1843

Tribe Euagorasini Distant, 1904

Renicoris gen. nov.

https://zoobank.org/96E69160-7238-483C-8CD0-22F155C20036
Figs 1, 2, 3

Type species

Renicoris robustus sp. nov.

Type locality

China, Yunnan, Lvchun, Huanglian Mountain.

Diagnosis

Renicoris gen. nov. resembles Chenicoris Chen & Cai, 2020 in the structure of the head and the male genitalia (Figs 1–3). However, in the new genus, the pronotum is trapezoidal and its median transversal constriction is indistinct (Figs 1, 2); the posterior pronotal lobe is not enlarged, the lateral pronotal angle is spine-shaped; the lateral margin of pronotum is straight (Figs 1, 2); the abdomen is rhomboid, and the fourth to sixth connexival segments of the abdomen are produced laterally (Fig. 1); the median pygophore process is bifid with acute angles (Fig. 3a, b) (vs. in Chenicoris, the pronotum is not trapezoidal due to its median transversal strong constriction; the posterior pronotal lobe is much enlarged and the lateral pronotal angle is rounded; the lateral margin of pronotum is distinctly constricted in the middle; the abdomen is not rhomboid, the fourth to sixth connexival segments of the abdomen are produced laterally, especially the lateral angle of the fifth segment which is dilated and round; the median pygophore process is absent). The genera morphologically related to the new genus can be separated using the following key.

Generic character

Body somewhat robust (Figs 1, 2). Head shorter than pronotum, with a small round tubercle behind base of each antennal tubercle (Figs 1a, 2a); eyes large and protruded laterally (Figs 1, 2a–c); ocelli elevated; anteocular part slightly longer than postocular part, transversely constricted between eyes; postocular part posteriorly narrower (Figs 1, 2a–c); first antennal segment nearly as long as head and pronotum together in length; first rostral segment longest and extending to middle of eyes (Fig. 2b). Pronotum dorsally slightly flat, somewhat anteriorly declining, medially with indistinct transversal constriction; lateral margin nearly straight; anterior angle round; anterior pronotal lobe 1/2 as long as posterior lobe; middle part of posterior lobe faintly bulgy, two sides with lateral sulci; lateral pronotal angles produced laterally, short spine-shaped, with round protuberance behind it; posterior and posterolateral margins nearly straight; posterior angle round; scutellum subtriangular with Y-shaped ridge (Figs 1, 2a–c). Legs thick and robust, fore legs somewhat thickened (Figs 1, 2). Fore wing with inner cell wider than outer cell at base. Fourth to sixth connexival segments of abdomen laterally slightly rhombus-shaped dilated.

Distribution

China (Yunnan).

Etymology

The genus is named after the Chinese entomologist Shu-Zhi Ren (Nankai University, Tianjin, China), for her great contribution to the taxonomy of Chinese Heteroptera. The Greek noun coris means “bug”. Gender masculine.

A key to Renicoris gen. nov. and its morphologically similar genera

1 Apical part of fore tibia distinctly bent 2
– Apical part of fore tibia straight 5
2 Fore femur prominently thickened and robust Agyrius Stål, 1863
– Fore femur somewhat thickened 3
3 Inner side of subapical part of fore tibia armed with a long spur Rihirbus Stål, 1861
– Fore tibia unarmed 4
4 Pronotum conspicuously anteriorly declining; posterior pronotal lobe anteriorly faintly elevated, and two sides without lateral sulci Flexitibia Zhao & Cai, 2014
– Pronotum not declining; posterior pronotal lobe not elevated, middle part feebly concave and two sides with lateral sulci Camptibia Cai & Tomokuni, 2003
5 Posterior part of lateral margin of anterior pronotal lobe with a distinct protuberance Isyndus Stål 1858
– Lateral margin of pronotum without protuberance 6
6 Fourth to sixth connexival segments of abdomen laterally dilated, fifth connexival segment prominently roundly-produced laterally Chenicoris Chen & Cai, 2020
– Fourth to sixth connexival segments of abdomen laterally slightly rhombus-shaped, dilated Renicoris gen. nov.

Renicoris robustus sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/C1D2BEB1-1835-4FA8-82BE-EEE732D93AB9
Figs 1, 2, 3

Type material

Holotype (♂): China, Yunnan, Lvchun, Huanglian Mountain, Yakou, Yijiao Center, 22°53'48.9"N, 102°18'23.4"E, 1938 m, 2015-VI-8, Jianyun Wang leg. (CAU).

Diagnosis

As for the genus by monotypy.

Description

Macropterous male. Coloration. Body dorsally bluish-black to black with milky white to yellowish markings, ventrally paler (Fig. 1a–c). Ventral surface of head (Figs 1c, 2c), one small round spot of vertex, ocellus (Figs 1a, 2a), one distinct annular marking of subapical part of first antennal segment (Fig. 1a–c), coxae, trochanters (Figs 1c, 2c), three faint annular markings of basal, median and apical parts of fore and mid femora (Figs 1, 2d, e), one distinct annular marking of median part and two faint markings of basal and apical parts of hind femera (Figs 1, 2f), one faint marking of basal part and one distinct marking of subapical part of fore and mid tibiae (Figs 1, 2d, e), one distinct annular marking of subapical part and one small marking of subbasal part of hind tibiae (Fig. 2f), sterna of pro- and metathoraxes (Figs 1c, 2c), sterna of abdomen (except connexivum and lateral margins) (Fig. 1c), and markings of posterior margins of connexival segments, milky white to yellowish (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. 

Renicoris robustus sp. nov., male, holotype, habitus a dorsal view b lateral view c ventral view.

Figure 2. 

Renicoris robustus sp. nov., male, holotype a–c head and pronotum, with antennae and legs not shown d fore leg e mid leg f hind leg. a dorsal view b, d–f lateral view c ventral view.

Structure. Body of medium size, somewhat flattened dorsoventrally (Fig. 1). Head, thorax, abdomen, and legs covered with white short bent procumbent pubescence and sub-erect setae; first antennal segment sparsely clothed with erect setae, second to fourth segments densely clothed with procumbent pubescence; fore femur and tibia ventrally clothed with dense short setae (Figs 1, 2). Head width subequal to or slightly shorter than length; interocular space more than 2× interocellar space; rostrum robust, first segment subequal to second and third segments together in length (Fig. 2b, c). Anterior pronotal lobe basally centrally sulcate and laterally with shallow arc-shaped glabrous area; middle part of posterior pronotal lobe somewhat concaved; lateral pronotal angles acutely produced, short (Figs 1a, 2a). Fore wing surpassing abdominal tip by 0.7 mm (Fig. 1).

Male genitalia. Pygophore oblong, median pygophore process bifid with acute angles (Fig. 3a, b); paramere clavate, slightly curved, middle part twisted (Fig. 3a–c); basal plate of phallobase longer and thicker than basal plate bridge, pedicel short (Fig. 3d, e). Phallosome elliptical (Fig. 3e–g); dorsal phallothecal sclerite well sclerotized, apical part concave, lateral arm subequal to strut in length (Fig. 3e); apical part of endosome armed with a pair of leaflike sclerites (Fig. 3e, f).

Figure 3. 

Renicoris robustus sp. nov., male, holotype, genitalia a pygophore with two parameres b pygophore with a paramere previously extracted c paramere d phallobase e phallus f, g phallosoma a, g ventral view e, b lateral view f dorsal view.

Measurements

[male (N = 1), in mm]. Body length 14.4 (to tip of abdomen) / 15.1 (to tips of fore wings). Length of head 2.6 (with neck) / 2.4 (without neck); length of anteocular part 1.0; length of postocular part 0.75; width across eyes 2.1; interocular space 1.2; interocellar space 0.45; length of antennal segments I–IV 5.5, 2.0, 3.2, 1.8; length of rostral segments I–III 1.4, 0.9, 0.5. Length of anterior pronotal lobe 1.2; length of posterior pronotal lobe 2.0; length of pronotum 3.2; width of anterior pronotal lobe 2.2; width of posterior pronotal lobe 4.3; basal width of scutellum 1.6; median length of scutellum 1.1; length of fore wing 9.9; length of fore femur / tibia / tarsus 4.9 / 4.5 / 1.1; length of mid femur / tibia / tarsus 3.5 / 3.2 / 1.1; length of hind femur / tibia / tarsus 4.7 / 4.7 / 1.1. Length of abdomen 7.2; maximum width of abdomen 4.2.

Distribution

China (Yunnan).

Etymology

The specific name alludes to the robust body shape of the new species. The Latin noun robustus means “sturdy, strong”.

Biology

Unknown.

Additional information

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Ethical statement

No ethical statement was reported.

Funding

This research is supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32270474); the Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province of China (No. 322QN361); the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 2021GXNSFAA220106).

Author contributions

Conceptualization: WC. Funding acquisition: PZ. Investigation: JW. Supervision: WC. Visualization: JW. Writing - original draft: PZ. Writing - review and editing: WC, ZC.

Author ORCIDs

Jianyun Wang https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8466-3252

Zhuo Chen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3393-0338

Ping Zhao https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9315-2756

Data availability

All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text.

References

  • Cai WZ, Tomokuni M (2003) Camptibia obscura gen. et sp. nov. (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from China. European Journal of Entomology 100(1): 181–185. https://doi.org/10.14411/eje.2003.028
  • Chen W, Zhao P, Cai WZ (2005) The discovery of the genus Irantha Stål, 1861 (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from China, with the description of a new species. Annales Zoologici 55(1): 107–109. https://doi.org/10.3161/0003454053642130
  • Chen Z, Wang JY, Li H, Cai WZ (2020) Chenicoris dilatatus, a remarkable new genus and new species of assassin bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from southern China. European Journal of Entomology 117(1): 252–259. https://doi.org/10.14411/eje.2020.027
  • Chen Z, Liu YQ, Wu YF, Lee M, Li H, Cai WZ (2022) A survey of the tribe Ectinoderini (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) of China, with the description of a new Ectinoderus species. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology 25(4): 101974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2022.101974
  • Davis NT (1966) Contribution to the morphology and phylogeny of the Reduvioidea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). Part III. The male and female genitalia. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 59(5): 911–924. https://doi.org/10.1093/aesa/59.5.911
  • Distant WL (1904) The Fauna of British India, Including Ceylon and Burma. Rhynchota 2 (Heteroptera). Taylor and Francis, London, 503 pp. [pp 1–242, 1903; pp i–xvii, 243–503, 1904] https://doi.org/10.1080/00222930408562466
  • Forero D (2011) Classification of Harpactorinae assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae). Boletin del Museo Entomológico Francisco Luís Gallego 3(1): 9–24.
  • Hsiao TY, Ren SZ (1981) Reduviidae. In: Hsiao TY, Ren SZ, Zheng LY, Jing XL, Zou HG, Liu SL (Eds) A Handbook for the Determination of the Chinese Hemiptera-Heteroptera. Vol. II. Science Press, Beijing, 390–538. [In Chinese with English summary]
  • Maldonado-Capriles J (1990) Systematic Catalogue of the Reduviidae of the World (Insecta: Heteroptera). A special edition of Caribbean Journal of Science, Puerto Rico, 694 pp.
  • Zhao P, Cai WZ, Ren D (2006a) The reduviid genus Nagustoides Miller (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) found in China, with description of a new species. Zootaxa 1176(1): 17–25. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1176.1.2
  • Zhao P, Yang CW, Cai WZ (2006b) First record of the genus Platerus Distant (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from China, with the description of a third species of the genus. Zootaxa 1286: 23–31. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1286.1.3
  • Zhao P, Luo ZH, Cai WZ (2009) Iocoris nodulifemoralis, a new genus and new species of Harpactorinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from China. Zootaxa 2129(1): 63–68. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2129.1.4
  • Zhao P, Pham M, Truong XL, Cai WZ (2014a) Flexitibia, a new genus of Harpactorinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae), with a discussion on the functional morphology of forelegs of the related genera. Zootaxa 3795(5): 564–570. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3795.5.5
  • Zhao P, Wang JY, Cai WZ (2014b) Description of a new species of the genus Henricohahnia Breddin (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from China, with a key to Chinese species. Zootaxa 3811(3811): 367–373. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3811.3.7
  • Zhao P, Ren SZ, Wang BH, Cai WZ (2015a) A new species of the genus Sphedanolestes Stål 1866 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from China, with a key to Chinese species. Zootaxa 3985(4): 591–599. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3985.4.8
  • Zhao P, Ren SZ, Wang BH, Cai WZ (2015b) Cosmosycanus perelegans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae), a new record from China, with report of its female genitalia. Zootaxa 3936(4): 567–574. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3936.4.6
  • Zhao P, Du ZY, Zhao Q, Li DH, Shao XL, Li H, Cai WZ (2021) Integrative taxonomy of the spinous assassin bug genus Sclomina (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) reveals three cryptic species based on DNA barcoding and morphological evidence. Insects 12(3): 251. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12030251
login to comment