Rhyparochromus Saturnius (Rossi) (Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Rhyparochromidae), a Palearctic Seed Bug Newly Discovered in North America

Authors

Thomas J. Henry, Systematic Entomology LaboratoryPlant, Sciences Institute, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture
David Adamski, Systematic Entomology Laboratory,Plant Sciences Institute, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of AgricultureFollow

Date of this Version

1998

Comments

Published in J. New York Entomol. Soc. 106(4):132-140. 1998

Abstract

The Palearctic rhyparochromid Rhyparochromus saturnius (Rossi) [Lygaeoidea] is reported for the first time in North America based on collections from 17 counties in California. Literature pertaining to this adventive species is reviewed, notes on its habits are given, and descriptions and photographs of the adult and fifth-instar nymph are provided to help distinguish it from other North American Rhyparochromidae. It is speculated that R. saturnius was introduced in international commerceoriginating from the Mediterranean Region, most likely Italy or nearby countries.