Tropidosteptes forestierae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae): A New Species of Plant Bug Injuring Ornamental Florida Swampprivet, Forestiera segregata (Oleaceae), in South Florida

Authors

Thomas J. Henry, Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA-ARSFollow
Doug L. Caldwell, University of Florida, Collier Co. ExtensionFollow
Susan E. Halbert, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesFollow

Date of this Version

6-15-2012

Citation

Insecta Mundi 0240: 1–10

Comments

Published in 2012 by Center for Systematic Entomology, Inc. P. O. Box 141874 Gainesville, FL 32614-1874 USA http://www.centerforsystematicentomology.org/

Copyright held by the author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons, Attribution Non-Commercial License.

Abstract

The mirine plant bug Tropidosteptes forestierae, new species (Hemiptera: Miridae) is described from Collier County, Florida, where it was found causing serious injury to an extensive ornamental hedge of Florida swampprivet, Forestiera segregata (Jacq.) Krug and Urb. (Oleaceae). Adult male and female, fifth instar, and egg are described. Color images of the adults, nymph, egg, and injury; scanning photomicrographs of selected adult structures; and illustrations of male genitalia are provided. A key to help distinguish the 16 species of Tropidosteptes known to occur in the southeastern United States is given.