Review, cladistic analysis and biogeography of Nezara Amyot & Serville (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Author
Ferrari, Augusto
Laboratório de Entomologia Sistemática, Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, prédio 43435, 91501 - 970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
ferrariaugusto@gmail.com
Author
Schwertner, Cristiano Feldens
Laboratório de Entomologia Sistemática, Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, prédio 43435, 91501 - 970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil & Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Campus Diadema, Rua Prof. Artur Riedel, 275, 09972 - 270, Diadema, SP, Brazil
acrosternum@yahoo.com.br
Author
Grazia, Jocelia
Laboratório de Entomologia Sistemática, Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Bloco IV, prédio 43435, 91501 - 970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
jocelia@ufrgs.br
text
Zootaxa
2010
2010-04-13
2424
1
41
journal article
doi:10.11646/zootaxa.2424.1.1
f6d26f10-5c7e-4640-a37b-27f027c65477
1175-5326
194550
The genus
Nezara
The revision work of
Freeman (1940)
established the current classification of the genus, including 11 valid species in
Nezara
:
N. antennata
,
N
.
immaculata
Freeman, 1940
,
N. frontalis
(
Westwood, 1837
)
,
N. naspirus
(
Dallas, 1851
)
,
N. niamensis
(
Distant, 1890
)
,
N. orbiculata
(
Distant, 1890
)
,
N. robusta
Distant, 1898
,
N. similis
Freeman, 1940
,
N. soror
Schouteden, 1905
,
N. congo
Schouteden, 1905
[synonymized to
N. robusta
by
Freeman (1946)
], and
N. viridula
.
Linnavuori (1972)
redescribed two species not included by
Freeman (1940)
:
N. mendax
Breddin, 1908
and
N. subrotunda
Breddin, 1908
. After studying the
type
specimens of both species, we now consider
N. mendax
to be a valid species and
N. subrotunda
to be a junior synonym of
N. naspira
(
Dallas, 1851
)
.
Zheng (1982)
added the last known species to the genus,
N. yunanna
, from Duanli, Yunnan, based on
5 male
and
2 female
specimens deposited in the Nankai University,
Tianjin
,
China
.
At least seven other species are assigned to
Nezara
in the literature. Four of them were considered
incertae sedis
, two are transferred to different genera, and one is considered a junior synonym, as follows.
Nezara griseipennis
Ellenrieder, 1862
, and
N. raropunctata
Ellenrieder, 1862
were considered as
incertae sedis
by
Stål (1876)
. However, they were listed in
Lethierry & Severin (1893)
and Kirkaldy’s (1909) catalogs. These species were described from
Indonesia
(Sumatra), and
Indonesia
(Java) respectively and the deposition of the
types
are unknown. In all collections studied, we have not examined any specimens with the characteristics described for these species. As such, we follow
Stål (1876)
in considering them as
incertae sedis
.
Distant (1902)
described
Nezara nigromaculata
from
Ceylon
[
Sri Lanka
].
Syntypes
were deposited at BMNH. Digital photographs of these specimens were sent by the curator of BMNH collection, Dr. Mick Webb. From the examination of these photographs, we conclude that
N. nigromaculata
does not share the synapomorphies of
Nezara
.
Thus, we transfer this species to the genus
Acorsternum.
Breddin (1903)
described
N. pulchricornis
from
Fernando Po
[= Bioko],
Equatorial Guinea
. He compared his species with
Nezara fieberi
Stål, 1865
which is now included in the genus
Chinavia
. Dr. Eckhard Groll, curator of SDEI collection, sent us digital photographs of the
lectotype
and of the following labels of
N. pulchricornis
: a)
Holotype
b) coll. Breddin /
Typus
/ Fern. Po S. Isabel / Schouteden det. 1936 c) G. Schmitz det. 1982 [male]
Acrosternum varicorne
(Dallas)
?
Gaedike (1971)
referred to this specimen as the
holotype
, but this is actually an inadvertent
lectotype
designation (Rider, personnal communication). Apparently, Schmitz conclusions were never published. From the examination of these photographs, we conclude that
N. pulchricornis
does not share the synapomorphies of
Nezara
.
Thus, we transfer this species to the genus
Chinavia
.
Nezara paradoxus
Cachan, 1952
, was described based on a single male specimen collected in Tananarive,
Madagascar
Center, which was supposed to be deposited at MNHN. But the
holotype
was not located by CFS (second author) during a visit to that collection in 2003. Cachan’s description does not permit recognition of this species as a distinct taxon within
Nezara
. Consequently, we consider it to be
incertae sedis
.
Nezara antennata
var.
icterica
Horvath, 1889
, was upgraded to species by
Ghauri (1972)
, based on the distinct morphology of the parameres. The male
lectotype
of
N. antennata
var.
icterica
, deposited in the Hungarian Natural History Museum (HNHM) was studied from a digital image sent by Dr. D. Rédei. Dr. Rédei also sent the data from the
lectotype
and the 3
paralectotypes
labels: a) Himalaya \ Plason b)
Nezara
[male]\
antennata
Scott
\
var.
icterica
Horv.
c)
Lectotype
d) G. Schmitz det. 1984 \
Nezara viridula
(L.) \ [male].
Paralectotype
female a)
Japonia
\ Xántus b) 1 c)
Nezara
\
antennata
Scott
\
var.
icterica
Horv
d) Paralec- \ totype \ [female] a) C. Schmitz det. 1984 \
Nezara viridula
(L.)\(f.
viridula
).
Paralectotype
female: same labels as the above specimen.
Paralectotype
female: a)
Japonia
\ Xántus b) Paralec- \ totype \ [female] c)
Nezara antennata
\ Scott, var. \
icterica
nov. \
G. Horvath 1889 d
) C. Schmitz det. 1984 \
Nezara viridula
(L.) \ (f.
viridula
). He also mentioned that although the specimens were labelled
lectotype
, and
paralectotype
, apparently these designations were never published. Taking into acount the general aspect of the male specimen and the form of paramere, we agree with G. Schmitz that this variety is conspecific with
N. viridula
. Also, Dr. Rédei sent similar data for
Nezara antennata
var.
balteata
Horvath, 1889
: a)
Japonia
\ Xántus b) 1 c)
Nezara
\
antennata
Scott
\
var.
balteata
Horv.
d)
Lectotype
\ [male] e) C. Schmitz det. 1984 \
Nezara viridula
(L.) \ f.
torquata
(F.).
Wu (1933)
synonymized
N. antennata
var.
balteata
with
N. antennata
. In order to confirm the identity of this variety, we sent to Dr. Rédei illustrations of the pygophore of
Nezara
species. He disagreed with Schmitz's identification, by the form of the paramere clearly having a long, finger-like process, similar to that of
N. antennata
(
Zheng 1982, fig. 2
). Therefore, we agree with
Wu (1933)
and treat this variety as a junior synonym of
N. antennata
.
Nezara indica
Azim & Shafee, 1978
was described from six female specimens collected at the University Botanical Garden, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh,
India
, and was deposited at the Aligarh Muslim University. Efforts to obtain this material were unsucessful. According to the original description of this species, it is similar to
N. similis
, differing by the long abdominal median tubercle surpassing the metacoxae. Another character mentioned was the presence of a tranverse impunctate band on the pronotum. Based on these characters, we conclude that this species does not share the synapomorphies of
Nezara
, and we consider it
incertae sedis
.
Description of characters
Thorax
Character 1. Pronotum, lines of punctures: (0) absent; (1) present. ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Transverse, parallel lines of punctures, concolorous or olive green to yellow, are found on the pronotum of some species. (
Fig. 1
D–F
). The lines may also be present on the scutellum and hemelytra.
Freeman (1940)
described the dorsal surface of
N. niamensis
and
N. robusta
as having a whitish-yellow background streaked with green, corresponding to the lines here described.
Character 2. Corium, basal third: (0) straight, not surpassing an imaginary line tangential to the humeral angles; (1) convex, surpassing an imaginary line tangential to the humeral angles (
Fig. 3A
2
). ci=100/ ri=100. Unambiguous.
The general form of body can be ovate (
Fig. 2
BC) or elongate (
Fig.1
A–F
). Species with an ovate body have the connexivum well exposed and the basal third of the corium convex, surpassing an imaginary line tangential to the humeral angles. Concerning the independence of this character, see comments in Character 8.
Character 3. Ostiolar ruga: (0) ruga long with anterior margin straight and apex rhomboid (
Fig. 3
C
); (1) ruga auriculate, conspicuous; (2) ruga auriculate, inconspicuous (
Fig. 3
E
); (3) ruga long with anterior margin curved and apex pointed (
Fig. 3
D
). ci=60/ri=60. Ambiguous.
The morphology of ostiolar ruga is variable among
Pentatomidae
. The limits of
Nezara
and related genera were established by previous authors based on the length of ostiolar ruga (
Stål 1872
,
1876
;
Kirkaldy 1909
;
Bergroth 1914
;
Freeman 1940
). The cuticular folding and the extension of the ruga along the anterior margin of the metapleura has also been used by many authors in phylogenetic studies (
Gapud 1991
;
Grazia 1997
;
Barcellos & Grazia 2003
;
Forte & Grazia 2005
).
Gapud (1991)
considered plesiomorphic a short ruga, not reaching the middle of metapleuron, because it is the common condition in most Pentatomomorpha. However, Gapud based his decision in a priori method for the determination of character polarity, a view that is not in accordance with the use of the cladistic methodology (
Cassis & Schuh 2009
).
Following the outgroup method of
Nixon & Carpenter (1993)
, the plesiomorphic state is characterized by the anterior margin of ruga straight, with rhomboid apex (
Fig. 3
C
); in derived states 1 and 2, the form of the ruga are similar, but the ostiolar opening distinct (
Fig. 13
E
). The state 3 corresponds to an anteriorly curved ruga with pointed apex (
Fig. 3
D
).
Freeman (1940)
characterized
N
.
orbiculata
and
N
.
capicola
as having rugae long with the apex pointed, and the remaining having auriculate rugae. Although
N. soror
has auriculate rugae, it is reduced in relation to the other two species; it also has a pointed apex, therefore it is here codified as state 3 (
Fig. 3
D
).
Character 4. Opening of odoriferous glands: (0) completely visible in ventral view, opening semi-ellyptical (
Fig. 13
D
); (1) partially visible in lateral view, opening circular (
Fig. 3
E
). ci=50/ri=0. Ambiguous.
The opening of the odoriferous glands can be ellyptical, easily seen in ventral view (species with long ruga and/or conspicuously auriculate) (e.g.
Fig. 3
D
). The apomorphic state is characterized by the ruga partially covering the scent gland opening, being visible only in lateral view (
Fig. 3
E
).
Character 5. Metapleural evaporative area: (0) occupying more than half of the metapleura (
Fig. 3
D
); (1) occupying less than half of the metapleura (
Fig.3
E
). ci=50/ri=50. Unambiguous
Metapleural evaporative area varies in extension, from restricted to an area around the opening to well developed occupying more than half of the metapleura. This character has been used by previous authors in phylogenetic analyses with distinct taxonomical levels (
Gapud 1991
;
Hasan & Kitching 1993
;
Campos & Grazia 2006
).
Character 6. Green hemelytral veins: (0) absent; (1) present. ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous. Hemelytral veins may be greenish, especially when the membrane is observed with white paper placed below the membrane.
Abdomen
Character 7. Median tubercle on urosternite III: (0) absent; (1) present. ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
The presence or the form of a median tubercle on urosternite III has been used by several previous authors, mainly to identify genera and species (
Atkinson 1888
;
Cachan 1952
;
Gross 1976
;
Rolston &
McDonald
1981
;
Linnavuori 1982
).
Freeman (1940)
distinguished at least three states in his key of
Nezara
species. In phylogenetic analyses, the presence of this tubercle (e.g.
Gapud 1991
;
Campos & Grazia 2006
) or the form of its apex (e.g.
Grazia 1997
;
Fortes & Grazia 2005
) were also used as characters. We consider the variation in form of the tubercle exhibits continuous variation among the species, making it difficult to define discrete states. Therefore, the presence of the median tubercle was codified as a derived state. In the group studied, only
Nezara
has the derived state, but a median tubercle could be present in other genera of the
Nezara
group (e.g.
Chinavia
Orian
,
Porphyroptera
China
, 1929
,
Neoacrosternum
Day, 1965
). In
N. orbiculata
, the median tubercle is longer than in the remaining species of
Nezara
(
Fig. 3A
).
Character 8. Connexival segments IV to VII, dorsal view: (0) obscured by hemelytra; (1) exposed (
Fig. 3A
2
). ci= 100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Connexiva not obscured by hemelytra are usually found in species with more oval body, which imply in a broader abdomen (see diagnoses of the species).
Even though characters 2 and 8 are related to the oval body shape found in
N. orbiculata
and
N. soror
, both characters described modifications of different body structures: the convexity of the basal third of corium (character 2), and the expansion of abdominal width (characters 8). Thus, such consideration supports the independence of the characters in a topological point of view.
Character 9. Spiracular maculae: (0) absent; (1) less than twice the diameter of the spiracles; (2) more than twice the diameter of the spiracles diameter. ci= 66/RI=66. Ambiguous.
A green macula juxtaposed next to each spiracles may be present and may vary in size.
Schwertner (2005)
described this character, and codified it as present in
Pseudoacrosternum cachani
Day
,
N. orbiculata
and
N. viridula
.
Here, we also codified it as present in
Aethemenes cloris
.
Character 10. Margins of body (pronotum, hemelytra and connexiva): (0) red band absent; (1) red band present (
Fig. 2
D–F
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
A red band, sometimes extending to the head, may be present around the outer margin of the body. The band may be reduced, or absent in some areas.
Schwertner (2005)
used this character and codified it as present in
Neoacrosternum rufidorsum
(Breddin)
and most
Chinavia
species included in his analysis of the
Nezara
group; this character was homoplastic, with reversals in some of the clades.
Character 11. Urosternite VII in females: (0) posterior margin arcuate, not elevated in relation to the placement of genital plates; (1) posterior margin strongly arcuate (
Fig. 16
B
), well elevated in relation to the placement of genital plates. ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
According to
Baker
(1931)
there is a trend in the development of the genitalia of both male and female: the more caudal the opening of the female genitalia, the more posterior the opening of the genital cup in males. This is true in
Nezara
species; the gonocoxites 8 are almost perpendicular to the sagital plan. This configuration is not observed in any of the outgroup taxa.
Character 12. Spiracles on laterotergites 8: (0) visible in more than half of its diameter; (1) totally obscured (
Fig. 16
A
), or less than 1/3 visible (
Fig. 16
D
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
The spiracles could be partially or totally obscured by the posterior margin of urosternite VII.
Female genitalia
Character 13. Laterotergites 9, shape: (0) uniformly flat; (1) basal half concave (
Fig. 16
B–C
); (2) basal half laterally concave and convex at middle margin (
Fig. 16
E–F
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Fortes & Grazia (2005)
considered the length of laterotergites 9, compared with the length of the laterotergites 8 as a character; they also studied the form of the apex of laterotergites 9.
Schwertner (2005)
analyzed the surface of basal half of the laterotergites 9 (flat or concave), and pointed out that the strongly concave basal half was a synapomorphy of
Nezara
. We have coded three states for this character, since in
N. naspira
the surface is concave but could have a callus well developed on middle margins, obscuring the concave area. (
Fig. 16
E
).
Character 14. Gonocoxites 8, longitudinal sutures: (0) absent; (1) shallow sutures not attaining apical margin of urosternite VII (
Fig. 16
C
); (2) deep sutures attaining apical margin of urosternite VII (
Fig. 16
F
). ci=50/ ri=66. Ambiguous.
Length of gonocoxites
8 in
relation to other genital plates was used by
Grazia (1997)
; form of posterior margin by
Fortes & Grazia (2005)
,
Grazia (1997)
and
Schwertner (2005)
. The presence of longitudinal sutures near the posterolateral angles is here used for the first time. The
Nezara
species, except
N. orbiculata
, have the longitudinal sutures.
Character 15. Gonocoxites 9, 1+1 concave areas: (0) absent; (1) present. ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous. Gonocoxites
9 may
have 1+1 concave areas near posterior margins of gonocoxites 8, resulting in a central area weakly elevated (
Fig. 16
A–C
).
Character 16. Gonapophyses 8, discal area: (0) totally exposed, sub-retangular, sutural margins of gonocoxites 8 parallel, not juxtaposed (
Fig. 16
E
); (1) partially obscured, triangular at basal half, sutural margins of gonocoxites 8 straight at base, juxtaposed at apical half (
Fig. 16
H
); (2) partially obscured, triangular at basal half, sutural margins of gonocoxites 8 concave at base, juxtaposed at apical half (
Fig.16
F
). ci=66/ri=75. Ambiguous.
Discal area of gonapophyses
8 may
be exposed or obscured by gonocoxites 8. Limits and form of sutural margins of gonocoxites 8 (divergent at base and juxtaposed on apical half or parallel, not juxtaposed) determine the extension and form of the exposed discal area of gonapophyses 8.
Character 17. Gonocoxites 8, posterior margins: (0) sinuous near sutural angles (
Fig. 16
E
); (1) straight (
Fig. 10
L
). ci=50/ri=80. Ambiguous.
Character 18. Processes of capsula seminalis: (0) absent; (1) present, diameter reducing from base to acuminate apex; (2) present, sub cylindrical, rhomboid apex (
Fig. 17
A–C
). ci=100/ri= 100. Unambiguous.
Capsula seminalis with processes is a derived condition in
Pentatomidae
(
Grazia
et al.
2008
;
Gapud, 1991
), and are absent in
Carpocoris purpureipennis
.
Campos & Grazia (2006)
considered the diameter of the processes as an informative character. In the
Nezara
group, all species except
Pseudoacrosternum cachani
,
have the processes of capsula seminalis, with acuminate or rhomboid apices (
Schwertner 2005
). In
Nezara
, the processes are sub-cylindrical, well developed, and rhomboid at apex.
Character 19. Ductus receptaculi, distal area
versus
pars intermedialis: (0) ductus receptaculi less than three times the length of pars intermedialis (
Fig. 17
C
); (1) ductus receptaculi more than three times the length of pars intermedialis (
Fig. 18
D
). ci=50/ri=50. Ambiguous
The ductus receptaculi, posterior to vesicular area, varies in length. Derived state found in some species of the ingroup has more than three times the length of pars intermedialis (
Fig. 18
D
).
Character 20. Internal wall of ductus receptaculi: (0) without sinuosity; (1) with sinuosity, dilated (
Fig. 18
B
); (2) with sinuosity, not dilated (
Fig. 18
F
). ci=66/ri=83. Ambiguous
The vesicular area results from the invagination of ductus receptaculi, which has three distinct walls (
Grazia
et al
. 2008
).
Campos & Grazia (2006)
considered the diameter of the median and internal walls as informative characters. In
Nezara
, the internal wall may have a basal sinuosity.
Character 21. Gonapophyses 8, posterior margin: (0) without median longitudinal calloused band on posterior margin; (1) with median longitudinal calloused band on posterior margin. ri=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Male genitalia
Character 22. Pygophore, ventral rim. (0) ventral rim not forming flaps; (1) flaps restricted to posterolateral angles, abruptly ending (
Fig. 8C
); (2) flaps developed towards middle of ventral rim, continuous or not at mid line (
Fig. 8E–I
). (3) flaps reduced, not continuous at mid line, with a bifid projection (
Fig. 8K
). ci=100/ ri=100. Unambiguous.
Ventral rim and posterolateral angles of pygophore may have structures forming flaps visible in posterior view. These structures could be restricted to posterolateral angles (
Fig. 8C
) or developed toward middle of ventral rim, continuous or not at mid line (
Fig. 8E–I
). Sometimes the flaps are reduced, not continuous at mid line, and with a bifid projection (
Fig. 8K
).
Character 23. Pygophore, superior process of dorsal rim: (0) posteriorly projected, apical region sclerotized; (1) forming a folded brim (semielyptical) (
Fig. 3
F
); (2) forming a long brim developed towards ventral rim (
Fig. 3
G
); (3) reduced or absent. ci=100/ri=100. Ambiguous.
Schaefer (1977)
revised the terminology adopted by previous authors to the structures found in genital cup of Trichophora. However, till now there is not agreement in this terminology, probably because the lack of hypotheses of homology with well supported morphological and phylogenetic evidence. Within
Pentatomidae
, the use of distinct terminology has been very damaging to the interpretation and use of these characters in comparative studies (
Schwertner 2005
). Here, we assume the correspondence of this character with the following: “superior lateral process” (
Sharp 1890
), “genital plates” (
Baker
1931
), “processus superieur” (
Dupuis 1970
) and “genital cup processes” (
Barcellos & Grazia 2003
).
Character 24. Pygophore, infolding of dorsal rim: (0) absent; (1) hairy region forming a simple band (
Fig. 3
F
); (2) hairy region divided into two lobes of similar size (
Fig. 3
G
); (3) hairy region divided into two lobes, one of them extending towards the internal wall of genital cup (
Fig. 3
H
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Barcellos & Grazia (2003)
and
Fortes & Grazia (2005)
used characters related to expansions of the infolding of dorsal rim of the pygophore. Here, the outgroup was codified as lacking this structure because it does not have a hairy region at the infolding of the dorsal rim. However,
Carpocoris purpureipennis
has three other structures on the genital cup (
Tamanini 1958
), that could be related to this character, as well as to character 23, beside the distinct morphology of them. In
Aethemenes chloris
, a line of hairs on dorsal rim, not forming a hairy band, is present, and was codified as absent for this character.
Schwertner (2005)
named this structure as marginal process of the infolding of dorsal rim, and the state calloused was found as a synapomorphy for
Nezara
. These calloused marginal processes could present the hairy region more or less expanded: in
Nezara robusta
and
N. immaculata
this region is expanded towards the ventral rim surpassing the imaginary line between the posterolateral angles of pygophore (
Fig. 3
H
); in
N. orbiculata
the hairy region almost reaches the internal wall of genital cup. The illustrations show the limits of the hairy regions (the hairs were ommited).
Character 25. Pygophore, cup like sclerite: (0) low, not elevated, not occupying one third of the diameter of pygophore; (1) well sclerotized and elevated, occupying one third the diameter of pygophore (
Fig. 3
B
,
4A
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
A cup like sclerite, well sclerotized, occupying one third the diameter of pygophore, with anterior and lateral limits elevated from the internal wall of pygophore (
Fig. 4
A
) is exclusively found in all species of
Nezara
. In one of the outgroup species,
Aethemenes chloris
, has a cup like sclerite similar in diameter to
Nezara
but the anterior limit is fused to the pygophore wall. In
Pseudoacrosternum cachani
, the cup like sclerite is less elevated not occupying one third of the diameter of pygophore.
Character 26. Parameres lobes: (0) absent; (1) bilobate (
Fig. 8D
); (2) trilobate (
Fig. 8H
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Morphology of parameres is often used in taxonomy and cladistics of
Pentatomidae
(i.e.
McDonald
1966
, Linnavouri 1972).
Freeman (1940)
characterized
Nezara
species based on the morphology of parameres in posterior view, emphasizing that in this position it was not necessary to remove the genitalia to identify the species.
Barcellos & Grazia (2003)
and
Fortes & Grazia (2005)
found strong synapomorphies in the morphology of parameres to define monophyletic groups of species.
Schwertner (2005)
used four distinct characters based on parameres morphology, including the development of the apical part in two or more lobes. Species of
Nezara
may have two or three lobes, often perpendicularly positioned in relation to the sagittal plane of the body, and easily visible in posterior view.
Nezara mendax
and
N. soror
have the apical part of the parameres developed into three lobes, one of which in sagittal plane, appears bilobate when observed in posterior view.
Character 27. Paramere, carina on median lobe: (0) absent; (1) present (
Fig. 8J–K
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
If parameres are trilobate, then a carina may be present on the median lobe, posteriorly projected. This character was codified as not observed in the species having parameres without lobes or bilobate.
Character 28. Parameres, median bristles: (0) absent; (1) present. ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Parameres with median bristles are often present in the
Pentatomidae
(e.g.
McDonald
1966
;
Gross 1976
; Linnavouri 1982). In
Carpocoris purpureipennis
, bristles are absent. In
Nezara
, the bristles are placed midway between the apical and basal parts of the paramere, on the internal surface. They can sometimes be reduced in number, as in
N. viridula
(
Fig. 12
C–E
) and
N. similis
(
Fig. 11
A–B
), or may be in higher density, occupying almost the entire lateral surface of the paramere, as in
N. immaculata
(
Fig. 11
M–N
).
Character 29. Parameres, attachment of median bristles: (0) attached directly on paramere wall (
Fig. 13
B, E
); (1) attached on a short, digitiform process which is itself attached to the lateral surface of the paramere (
Figs. 10
C–H
,
12C, D, F, I
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
The median bristles may be attached directly to the wall of the paramere (
Fig. 11
A, I, N
;
Fig. 13
B, E, H, K
), or in a short digitiform process (
Fig. 12
E, G, J
). Although
Pseudoacrosternum cachani
has a long process with bristles attached along its entire length (
Fig. 12
AB), the morphology of the process is distinct, and this character was codified as innapplicable.
Freeman (1940)
described a digitiform process in
N. antennata
and
N. viridula
, state also shared by
N. yunnana
.
Santoro (1954)
illustrated this character in
N. viridula
,
but
McDonald
(1966)
omitted the process in his illustration.
Bao-ying
et al.
(2000)
studied the morphology of the genital microstructures, using SEM, in distinct population of
N. viridula
from
Australia
and
Slovenia
, showing this character in detail.
Character 30. Paramere, elyptical area. (0) absent; (1) present. ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous. Some species of
Nezara
have the bristles attached to an elyptical area at middle of paramere, diagnonally positioned in relation to longitudinal plane (
Fig.
11
I
;
Fig. 13
E
).
Character 31. Parameres, tegumentar microsculptures: (0) crenulate (
Fig. 12
B,H, K
);(1) serrulate (
Fig.
13
I, L
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Anterior surface of apical part of paramere, in S.E.M, show two distinct tegumentar microsculptures: crenulate and serrulate. This character was illustrated by
Freeman (1940)
and
McDonald
(1966)
for
N. viridula
, using light microscopy, but the form of these structures was difficult to observe. The character is broadly distributed among
Heteroptera
, being present in several species of
Pentatomidae (
McDonald
1966
)
,
Scutelleridae (
Cassis & Vanags 2006
)
, and
Corixidae (
Tinerella 2006
)
.
Character 32. Phallotheca, median projection of ventral margin (
Fig. 15
F
): (0) absent; (1) present. ci=100/ ri=100. Unambiguous.
Character 33. Phallus, secondary gonopore process: (0) Secondary gonopore process larger than gonopore diameter (
Fig. 14
A–B
); (1) Secondary gonopore process less than one third gonopore diameter (
Fig. 4
B
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
Character 34. Phallus, processus capitati: (0) equal or slightly larger than dorsal connective diameter (
Fig. 14
A–C
); (1) at least three times larger than dorsal connective diameter (
Fig. 14
D
). ci=100/ri=100. Unambiguous.
In
Nezara
, the processus capitati is more robust than in other taxa of
Nezara
group (
Schwertner 2005
). Here, we compare the processus capitati diameter in relation to the diameter of dorsal connective.
Analysis
The analysis of parsimony resulted in one cladogram with 60 steps, consistence index (CI) of 0.81 and retention index (RI) of 0.89 (
Fig. 5
).
Monophyly of the genus
Nezara
(Clade B) was corroborated by eight synapomorphies, one of general morphology, three of female genitalia and four of male genitalia (
Fig. 5
): median tubercle on urosternite III present (7
1
); posterior margin of urosternite VII strongly arcuate (
Fig. 16
B
), well elevated in relation to the placement of genital plates (11
1
); basal half of laterotergites 9 concave (13
1
); processes of capsula seminalis subcylindrical, rhomboid at apex (18
2
); hairy region of the infolding of ventral rim of pygophore forming a simple band (24
1
); cup like sclerite well sclerotized and elevated, occupying one third the diameter of pygophore, the anterior limit not fused to the infolding of dorsal rim (25
1
); secondary gonopore process of phallus less than one third the gonopore diameter (33
1
), and diameter of processus capitati at least three times larger than dorsal connective diameter (34
1
). Six synapomorphies of eight are exclusive to the genus
Nezara
among
Pentatominae
, and increase the number of diagonostic characters of the genus (
Schwertner 2005
)
A basal dichotomy (
Fig. 5
) splits the two oriental species and
N. viridula
(Clade C), from the afrotropical species (Clade D). Clade C include
N. viridula
,
N. antennata
and
N. yunnana
, which share two synapomorphies: concave areas (1+1) on gonocoxites 9 present (15
1
,
Fig. 16
A–C
), and median bristles attached in a short digitiform process bent to lateral surface of paramere (29
1
Figs. 10
C–H
,
12C, D, F, I
). A hypothesis of relationship among species of clade C, based on the characters analysed here, was not obtained.
Kon
et al.
(1988)
and
Kon
et al
. (1993)
studied interespecific mating behaviour in
N. antennata
and
N. viridula
, evidencing the proximity of these species. However, for
N. yunnana
these data are still unknown, which make unapplicable the use of that character in a cladistic analysis.
Clade D, including the remaining species of
Nezara
, is supported by the green hemelytral veins present (6
1
), a derived state found in all taxa of this clade, and by the homoplasious character metapleural evaporative area occupying less than half of the metapleura (5
1
).
Clade E shares three derived states: ventral rim of pygophore with brims developed towards middle of ventral rim, continuous or not at mid line (22
2
,
Fig. 8E–I
) [the state changed on clade J where the brims are reduced, not continuous at mid line, with a bifid projection (22
3
,
Fig. 8J–K
)]; infolding of dorsal rim of pygophore with hairy region divided in two lobes of similar size (24
2
,
Fig. 3
G
) [the state changed on clade H where the hairy region is divided in two lobes, one of them extending towards the internal wall of genital cup (24
3
,
Fig. 3
H
)]; paramere trilobate was the only exclusive synapomorphy shared by all taxa of this clade (26
2
,
Fig. 8E–K
), what could explain the weak Bremer suport of clade E.
Clades G and H are defined by two synapomorphies each, on characters of male genitalia. Clade G was supported by parameres with serrulate tegumentar microsculptures (31
1
,
Fig.
13
I,L
), and median projection of ventral margin of phallotheca present (32
1,
Fig.15
C,E,F,I
). Clade H was supported by the infolding of the dorsal rim of pygophore with a hairy region divided into two lobes, one of them extending towards the internal wall of genital cup (24
3
,
Fig. 3
H
), and paramere with elyptical area (30
1
,
Fig.
11
I
).
Clade I, corresponding to
N. orbiculata
+
N. soror
,
shares two derived states of general morphology characters: basal third of corium convex, surpassing an imaginary line tangential to the humeral angles (2
1
,
Fig. 3A
2
); connexival segments IV to VII exposed in dorsal view (8
1
,
Fig. 3A
2
).
Clade J, including
N. immaculata
,
sister-group of
N. robusta
+
N. niamensis
shares five synapomorphies, two of general morphology and three of male genitalia: lines of punctures on pronotum present (1
1
); margins of body with red band; ventral rim of pygophore with brims reduced, not continuous at mid line, with a bifid projection (22
3
); superior process of dorsal rim of pygophore reduced or absent (23
3
); paramere with median lobe carina (27
1
). Support of clade J was given by characters of general morphology (1
1
, 10
1
) and the derived state of the character 20
2
(internal wall of ductus receptaculi with sinuosity, not dilated), considering that the males of
N. niamensis
were not available in this study.
Clade K formed by
N. robusta
+
N. niamensis
is supported by gonapophyses 8 whith median longitudinal calloused band on posterior margin (21
1
).
Nine characters and 12 states showed ambiguous reconstruction, five from general morphology (3
1
, 3
2
, 3
3
, 4
1
, 9
2
), five from female genitalia (
14
1
, 16
2
, 17
1
, 19
1
, 20
1
), and two from male genitalia (
23
1
, 23
2
). Female characters
16
2
,
17
1
and 20
1
had more than one explanation, due to missing data (females of
N. similis
and
N. mendax
were not dissected). Character internal wall of ductus receptaculi has the state 20
2
(with sinuosity, not dilated) as a synapomorphy to clade J, however the state 20
1
is ambiguous. Both multistates characters 14 and 23 when optimized with ACCTRAN are synapomorphies to
Nezara
(Clade B,
Fig. 5
); using DELTRAN option, derived states appear as synapomorphies to clades C (oriental species) and D (afrotropical species). Therefore, characters 14 and 23 represent possible synapomorphies to clades C and D, respectively.
The morphology of genitalia offers valuable exclusively derived characters in generic or suprageneric cladistics studies of
Pentatomidae
(
Grazia 1997
;
Barcellos & Grazia 2003
;
Fortes & Grazia 2005
;
Schwertner 2005
), representing half or more of the synapomorphies found, with the prevailing of male characters. In taxonomic studies, the morphology of genitalia is extensively used due to the variability of the structures. Male structures are more susceptible to female selective pressure, being more divergent in closely related species than non sexual characters (
Eberhard 1985
;
Eberhard 2004
).
In
Nezara
, morphological characters of genitalia, especially on males, showed the best congruence and phylogenetical signal. Female characters were important to define basal synapomorphies of
Nezara
, being present on clade B (
Fig. 5
), and indicating to be more conservative structures of the analysed taxa. Characters of the parameres, visualized by S.E.M., were important to establish relationship among species.
Biogeography
Biogeographical scenarios concerning the evolution of
Nezara
were based in the areas of occurrence of each species and the phylogenetic relationships among them (
Fig. 6
). The limits of the areas of occurrence of each species were defined as the peripherical localities in the map presented in
Fig 6A
. In order to avoid relationship inferences among taxa (and its areas) with low support, branches with Bremer support less than 2 steps were collapsed.
Dispersal and vicariance are often considered competing hypotheses in historical biogeography. Disjunct distribution patterns can be explained either by fragmentation of widespread ancestors due to vicariant (isolating) events or by dispersal across a preexisting barrier (
Sanmartín & Ronquist 2004
). Today, historical biogeography considers dispersal, vicariance, and extinction as processes equally responsible to affect distribution (
Posadas
et al.
2006
). Considering the difficulties to test dispersal and extinction hypotheses (
Morrone & Crisci 1995
), they were assumed as secondary events to understand the present-day distributional patterns of
Nezara
species.
It has been accepted that taxa with similar distributional patterns, and congruent relationship among areas, share a common history as a result of geographical isolation events (
Nelson & Platinick 1981
). However, the biogeographical history of many Gondwanan groups is not a simple story of vicariance, as trans-oceanic dispersal has often played an important role in achieving present-day distributions (
Briggs 2003
;
Sanmartín & Ronquist 2004
;
Fuller
et al.
2005
;
Boyer & Giribet 2007
;
Volker & Outlaw 2008
). The inclusion of a temporal perspective in the comparison of taxa distribution patterns, through the definition of Cenocrons, sets of taxa that share the same biogeographic history, constituting identifiable subsets within a biotic component by their common biotic origin and evolutionary history (
Morrone 2009
), is an important process in the search for biogeographic patterns.
Donoghue & More (2003)
emphasized the necessity to consider divergence times of lineages in biogegraphical studies in order to avoid inference of patterns produced by pseudo-congruence.
With the exception of
N. viridula
, localities of most of the species of
Nezara
are associated mainly with tropical or subtropical rain forests (
Fig. 6A
). We assume that the limits of the distribution of the genus have been associated with the evolution of the tropical rain forests, agreeing to the environmental scenario described by
Morley (2003)
to megathermal angiosperms.
Nezara
first cladogenetic event was the basal split of the clade including
N. viridula
,
N. antennata
and
N. yunnana
(
Fig. 5
, Clade C) from the African species (clade D). A possible geological vicariant hypothesis associated to this event is the West Gondwana break during mid Jurassic (~170 Ma) (
Lawver
et al.
2003
), resulting in the drift of the India-Madagascar plate from the African plate. However, it would imply that the basal split of
Nezara
would have happened 20 Ma before
Pentatomoidea
oldest fossil record (
Yao
et al.
2007
).
Grimaldi & Engel (2005)
, based in most ancient fossil records, estimated that the Pentatomomorphan basal families probably have its origin in late Jurassic (161–145 Ma), and that the Pentatomoidean most basal families did not appear before Cretaceous (145 Ma). According to
Grazia
et al.
(2008)
, the family
Pentatomidae
is among the most derived clades within
Pentatomoidea
.
Oldest known fossils represent minimun ages estimates (
Heads, 2005
). Althought the minimum fossil ages of
Pentatomoidea
may not represent absolute estimates related to the origin of the taxon, to suppose that
Nezara
ancestral have had a wide distribution in West Gondwana (<160 Ma) is a low supported hypothesis. According to
Briggs (2003)
, based on estratigraphical, paleomagnetical and paleontological data,
India
and Africa were more related biogeographically to each other than previous hypothesized in the literature. A great amount of faunal exchanges could have occurred among
India
, Africa and
Madagascar
while the Indian plate drifted towards Eurasia. This hypothesis fits with the
Nezara
ancestral basal split being associated with a dispersal event favoured by the drop in sea level in the late Cretaceous (Hallan, 1992 apud
Briggs 2003
), exposing continental shelves and decreasing distances among landmasses.
Among the African species of
Nezara
(
Fig. 5
, Clade D) most appear restricted mainly to tropical rain forests and related ecossystems (i.e. tropical woodland/grassland savanna). Two species (
N. mendax
and
N. immaculata
) are associated to arid enviroments of the east Africa, while
N. capicola
is associated to the sclerophyllous forest of the Western Cape Province, and to the
South Africa
highlands. The majority of the species distribution areas are based on few records, reflecting the inadequate data collection and making difficult the interpretation of their current distribution. However, the diversification of the Afrotropical fauna and flora has a complex history related to the expansion and contraction of the tropical forests (
Morley 2003
;
Plana 2004
;
Rønsted
et al.
2007
), which certainly influenced the evolution and current distributions of
Nezara
. Increasing of rain forests areas in African southeast along Eocene (54 Ma) through Oligocene (33 Ma) (
Morley 2003
) could have favoured the distribution of
Nezara
to south and southeastern parts of Africa. The inclusion of
N. soror
,
an eastern
Madagascar
(rain forests) endemic species (
Fig. 6
B
), in the African clade strongly supports the expansion in the distribution after gondwanic breakup, including a dispersal event to
Madagascar
.
Fuller
et al.
(2005)
proposed an afrotropical origin to
Braunsapis
(
Hymenoptera
,
Apidae
), with at least two dispersal events to
Madagascar
, with estimated times of 13 Ma and 2–3 Ma, rejecting vicariant hypothesis to explain the distributional pattern, considering that the genus would be more ancient than the tribe
Allodapini
, to which it belongs.
Biondi & D’Alessandro (2006), using distribution areas of 123 species of the beetle genus
Chaetocnema
Stephens
, identified 13 chorotypes in the Afrotropical region, five of them also fit to the species of
Nezara
:
N. naspira
is related to Afro-Intertropical chorotype;
N. orbiculata
,
N. niamensis
, and
N
.
similis
are related to the Afro-Equatorial chorotype;
N. immaculata
and
N. mendax
are restricted to the Northern-Eastern Afrotropical chorotype;
N. robusta
is resctricted to the south of the Central Afrotropical chorotype;
N. frontalis
is resctricted to the Southern African chorotype, and
N. soror
is restricted to the
Malagasy
chorotype. With the exception of the Northern-Eastern Afrotropical chorotype, the chorotypes corresponds roughly to the areas of endemism located by
Linder (2001)
and Biondi & D’Alessandro (2006).
Linder (2001)
found a strong congruence between areas of endemism and areas of species richness for plants in the sub-Saharan Africa, the latter pattern being strongly influenced by historical variation in the climate, the former being linked to the current climate conditions (
Linder 2001
,
Plana 2004
).
The clade including
N. viridula
,
N. antennata
,
and
N. yunnana
occur mainly in the Oriental region, associated to tropical or subtropical rain forest.
Nezara yunnana
occurs in the north of
India
, and farther southern in
China
(the
type
locality in Duanli, Yunnan,
China
).
Nezara antennata
has a more widespread distribution. Based on label records of the studied specimens,
N. antennata
occurs in southern
China
,
South Korea
and
Japan
, while in the literature this species is also recorded to
India
,
Philippines
, and
Sri Lanka
(
Rider 2006
).
Nezara viridula
is cosmopolitan occuring in all biogeographical regions, except
Antarctica
(
DeWitt & Godfrey 1972
;
Panizzi et al. 2000
). The species was described from
India
(
Linnaeus 1758
). The first record in the Neotropical region was made by
Fabricius (1798)
to the West Indies, and since then several other records to the neotropics included Central and South
America
(i.e.
Amyot & Serville 1845
;
Pennington 1919
). It was cited first in
Japan
in
1874–1879
(
Yukawa
et al.
2007
), and
Clark (1992)
mentioned that the first record to
Australia
was made by Froggat in 1916. The distributional area of
N. viridula
is still expanding (
Todd 1989
; Aldrich 1990;
Clarke 1992
) as a result of commercial and agricultural expansion (
Jones 1988
;
Todd 1989
;
Meglic
et al.
2001
). More recently, the expansion in the distribution of this species was related to the global warming (
Musolin and Numata 2003
;
Musolin 2007
;
Yukawa
et al.
2007
).
Based in the analysis of the distributional areas and frequencies of the polymorphic
types
,
Yukawa & Kiritani (1965)
proposed the origin of
N. viridula
for the southwest Asia. According to
Jones (1988)
, these authors had only considered polymorphic
types
of restricted areas.
Jones (1988)
based on the distribution of
Nezara
species, color polymorphs and egg parasitoid complexes, considered the origin of
N. viridula
as Ethiopic.
Hokkanen (1986)
reached the same conclusions based on color polymorphs, parasites and ecological characteristics. More recently,
Kavar et al. (2006)
sequenced 16S and 28S rDNA, cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene fragments and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) from geographically separated sampling locations (
Slovenia
,
France
,
Greece
,
Italy
, Wood,
Japan
,
Guadeloupe
, Galapagos, California,
Brazil
and
Botswana
). Based on these results, the authors supported an African (Botswanian specimen) origin of
N. viridula
, followed by dispersal to Asia and, more recently, by expansion to Europe and
America
. They also suggested that the African and non-African gene pools have been separated for 3.7–4 Ma, through the estimative of the divergence time using the standard
insect
molecular clock of 2.3% pairwise divergence per million years.
Based on the resulted cladogram (
Fig. 6
B
), two possible explanations for the original area of
N
.
viridula
could be formulated: 1) the species had its origin in the Oriental area, from the ancestral of the Oriental clade (
N. viridula
,
N. antennata
and
N. yunnana
), with a posterior expansion from Asia to African continent, or 2) a basal lineage of the Oriental clade with northeastern African distribution that dispersed to Indian plate in Eocene, originating the ancestral of
N. yunnana
and
N. antennata
; in this case, the remnant African population gave origin to
N. viridula
, which subsequently expanded to Asia. However, just a more comprehensive study including different data sources (i.e. molecular, pheromones, reproduction, sound comunication, etc…) of all species included in the Oriental clade, and at least some of the African species, will be crucial to establish the relationships of the clade C and the recognition of a possible ancestral area for
N. viridula
.
Taxonomy
Nezara
Amyot & Serville, 1843
Nezara
Amyot & Serville, 1843
: xxvi, 143–144 (descr.);
Fieber, 1861
: 329
(descr.);
Stål, 1865
: 192
(descr.); 1867: 530 (key); 1872: 40 (descr.); 1876: 63, 91 (key, descr.);
Mulsant & Rey, 1866
: 288
(descr.);
Puton, 1881
: 52
(key);
Lethierry & Severin, 1893
: 164
(cat.);
Distant, 1902
: 219
(descr.,
type
species des.);
Kirkaldy, 1909
: 115
(cat.);
Bergroth, 1914
: 24
(diagnosis);
Freeman, 1940
: 354
(review);
Azim & Shafee, 1978
: 507
–511 (key);
Cassis & Gross, 2002
: 519
(cat.);
Rider, 2006
: 328
(cat.).
Type
species:
Cimex smaragdulus
Fabricius, 1775
(=
Cimex viridulus
Linnaeus, 1758
).
Diagnosis.
Median tubercle on urosternite III present and sacarcely projected in most of the species, apex rounded or conical, surpassing metacoxae in
N. orbiculata
.
Green macula juxtaposed to spiracles with less or more than two times the spiracles diameter. Posterior margin of urosternite VII excavate in “U” in females (
Fig. 16
b
), well elevated in relation to the placement of genital plates; basal half of laterotergites 9 entirely concave or concave at lateral margin and convex at middle margin, sometimes forming a callus; processes of capsula seminalis subcylindrical, rhomboid at apex. Male: hairy region of the infolding of ventral rim of pygophore forming a simple band; cup like sclerite well sclerotized and elevated, occupying one third the diameter of pygophore, the anterior limit not fused to the infolding of dorsal rim three times larger than dorsal connective diameter. infolding of dorsal rim of pygophore with a hairy region in a band forming two lobes similar in size or one of the lobes projected towards internal wall of genital capsule. Superior process of dorsal rim forming a folded brim or a long brim developed towards ventral rim. Phallus: processus capitati diameter at least three times larger than dorsal connective diameter, and secondary gonopore process of phallus less than one third the gonopore diameter.
Comments.
Diagnosis of
Nezara
based on unique derived characters was established only recently (
Schwertner 2005
).
Amyot & Serville (1843)
proposed
Nezara
among the taxa with an abdominal tubercle or spine present (the ‘Raphigastrides’ group), and was followed by subsequent authors (i.e
Stål 1865
;
1872
;
1876
;
Atkinson 1888
;
Distant 1902
). In his catalogue,
Kirkaldy (1909)
listed six subgenera in
Nezara
.
Bergroth (1914)
recognized each of the subgenera proposed by
Kirkaldy (1909)
as valid genera. Also
Bergroth (1914)
included in
Nezara
only those species with ostiolar peritreme short, not reaching the anterior margin of metapleura (= division
a
of
Stål, 1876
, see Introduction).
Freeman (1940)
strengthen the number of characters to separate
Nezara
from the allied genera, including the position of the pygophore (‘clearly visible in ventral view’) and the shape of the parameres (‘broad and apically turnwards, the free ends of each being produced into lobes two or three in numbers’). However,
Orian (1965)
discussed the characters used by
Bergroth (1914)
and
Freeman (1940)
, the only one useful to diagnose the genus
Nezara
was the shape of the paramere.
More recently, in a cladistic analysis including several genera of stink bugs (
Schwertner 2005
), the monophyletic condition of
Nezara
was supported, and unique derived characters for the genus were defined: concavity of the posterior margin of VII urosternite in “U”; surface of the basal half of laterotergites 9 strongly concave, and diameter of processus capitati larger than length of the dorsal connective. One homoplastic character, the green maculae juxtaposed to the spiracle, was found in all species of
Nezara
, and also in
Pseudoacrosternum cachani
Day (
Schwertner 2005
)
. The shape of the paramere, character used by
Freeman (1940)
to separate species of
Nezara
from allied genera, was a synapomorphy to the clade including
Aethemenes
,
Nezara
and
Pseudoacrosternum
(
Schwertner 2005
)
.
Key to the species of
Nezara
(male and female):
1. Scent glands with spout of peritreme never elongate, ear-like (
Fig. 3
E
)...................................................................... 2
1’. Scend glands with spout of peritreme elongate (
Fig. 3
D
). ........................................................................................... 3
2. Peritreme short, inconspicuous; ostiolar orifice round, completely visible in lateral view of metapleura; evaporative area of scent gland occupying less than half of metapleura (
Fig. 3
E
) .......................................................................... 5
2’. Peritreme conspicuous; ostiolar orifice ellyptical, completely visible in ventral view of metapleura; evaporative area of scent gland large, occupying more than half of metapleura (
Fig. 3
D
) ..................................................................... 6
3. Basal third of corium straight, not surpassing an imaginary line tangencial to humeral angles ..................
N. capicola
3’. Basal third of corium convex, surpassing an imaginary line tangencial to humeral angles (
Fig. 3A
) ......................... 4
4. Black macula on urosternites larger than abdominal spiracles; medial spine of third abdominal segment very short, not reaching hind coxae. ...................................................................................................................................
N. soror
4’. Black macula on urosternites shorter than abdominal spiracles; medial spine of third abdominal segment very long, reaching anterior margin of median coxae (
Fig. 3A
).................................................................................
N. orbiculata
5. Anterior margins of pronotum straight; humeral angles in right angles (
Fig. 1
D
) .........................................
N. similis
5’. Anterior margins of pronotum slightly convex; humeral angles rounded (
Fig. 1
E
)......................................
N. mendax
6. Pronotum tranversely ridged, usually more ligther in color than grooves (
Fig. 2
D–F
); black macula on scutellum basal angles absent; black macula on urosternites shorter than abdominal spiracles or absent................................... 7
6’. Pronotum not ridged; black macula on scutellum basal angles present; black macula on urosternites equal or larger than abdominal spiracles............................................................................................................................................... 9
7. Black macula on urosternites present .......................................................................................................................... 8
7’. Black macula on urosternites absent.......................................................................................................
N. immaculata
8. Anterior margins of pronotum convex; ridges and grooves of pronotum with the same colour ..................
N. robusta
8’. Anterior margins of pronotum straight; ridges and grooves of pronotum with alternated light and dark colour ..........
...................................................................................................................................................................
N. niamensis
9. Evaporative area of scent glands occupying less than half of metapleura; gonocoxites 8 with longitudinal groove reaching VII abdominal segment (
Fig. 16
F
), base of laterotergites 9 with callus; male with parameres trilobate (
Fig. 8F
) ..................................................................................................................................................................
N. naspira
9’. Evaporative area of scent glands occupying at least half of metapleura; gonocoxites 8 with longitudinal groove inconspicuous, never reaching VII abdominal segment, base of laterotergites 9 concave (
Fig. 16
A-C); male with parameres bilobate (
Fig. 8A–C
).................................................................................................................................. 10
10. Connexival sutures with black or darkened maculae at middle; black macula on apex of antennal segments III and IV; lobes of parameres equal in length, the lateral thinner than the meddian (
Fig. 8B
); digitiform processes of capsula seminalis distinct in length, one surpassing anterior annular flange (
Fig. 17
B
)........................................
N. antennata
10’. Connexival sutures without black maculae; reddish or ferrugineous, never black, macula on apex of antennal segments III and IV; median lobe of parameres longer than the lateral one (
Fig. 8A,C
); digitiform processes of capsula seminalis subequal in length, never surpassing anterior annular flange ..................................................................... 11
11. Pygophore in posterior view: lateral lobe of paramere weakly developed, rough, directed to dorsal rim of pygophore (
Fig. 8A
); median limit of paramere touching segment X in rest position (
Fig. 8A
) ....................................
N. viridula
11’. Pygophore in posterior view: lateral lobe of paramere more developed,, directed to lateral rim of pygophore (
Fig. 8C
); median limit of paramere not touching segment X in rest position (
Fig. 8C
) .....................................
N. yunnana