Polytes leopardinus Distant

Eger, J. E., 1990, Revision of the Genus Polytes Stål (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae), Annals of the Entomological Society of America 83 (2), pp. 115-141 : 135-136

Polytes leopardinus Distant

( Fig. 95-98 )

Polytes leopardinus Distant 1911: 243-244 .

Description. Dorsum black to dark brownish black except following yellow to red structures: 4 broad vittae on pronotum; thin, mesial vitta usually also present (may be vague); 5 vittae on scutellum, lateral pair extending posterolaterally from anterior margin to lateral margin of scutellum; 2nd pair parallel to median vitta, extending about % distance from posterior to anterior scutellar margins; mesial vitta extending length of scutellum. Coria and anterior corners of scutellum also usually with irregular red to yellow maculations. Dorsal punctation dense, concolorous or dark brown to black in colored vittae. Venter dark brown to black; large yellow to red macule present on posterior margin of last abdominal sternite at meson; thin, pale line usually present along lateral margins of propleura and abdominal sternites. Length 8.9-9.8.

Head broadly rounded anteriorly, short ( Fig. 95 ); length 1.9-2.4, width across eyes 2.8-3.0. Length of antennal segments 1-5:0.6; 0.5-0.6; 0.6-0.7; 0.9- 1.2; 1.2-1.3. Rostrum reaching or slightly surpassing anterior margin of 2nd visible abdominal sternite, brown basally, dark brown distally.

Pronotum 2.6-2.9 long at meson, 5.4-6.0 wide across humeri. Anterolateral margins distinctly convex, flattened. Coxae and tarsi brown, remain-der of legs dark brown to black.

Scutellum 5.6-6.2 long at meson, 4.8-5.7 broad at widest point.

Parameres hookshaped, head elongate with small tooth at apex and distinctly spiculate along lateral margin ( Fig. 96 ). Remainder of male genitalia as in P. bicolor except sclerotized apices of 3rd conjunctival diverticula slightly more elongate in P. leopardinus ( Fig. 97 ).

Mesial margins of 1st gonocoxae relatively straight, distinctly impressed submarginally. Mesial margins of 9th paratergites rounded, distinctly impressed submarginally ( Fig. 98 ).

Type Material. Distant's type series consists of two syntypes in the BMNH. The following are designated: LECTOTYPE: 6, labeled: (a) Type, (b) Peru, (c) Distant Coll., 1911-383. (d) Polytes , leopardinus , type Dist. PARALECTOTYPE: 3, labeled: (a) Para-, type, (b) Peru, (c) Distant Coll., 1911 -383. (d) Polytes , leopardinus, Dist. (e) Polytes leopardinus .

Distribution. Peru.

Comments. Although appearing similar to P. quechuus , P. leopardinus is more closely related to P. bullocki . The striped appearance coupled with a lack of impunctate vittae on the pronotum will allow recognition of this species.

Figures

Fig. 95-98. Polytes leopardinus.(95) Head. (96)Paramere,ectal aspect.(97) Sclerotized apex of 3rd conjunctival diverticula. (98) Female genitalplates.