Lamprocoris (Sophela) spiniger ( Dallas, 1849 )

Rédei, Dávid & Tsai, Jing-Fu, 2016, A revision of Lamprocoris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Scutelleridae), Entomologica Americana 122, pp. 262-293 : 283-287

Lamprocoris (Sophela) spiniger ( Dallas, 1849) Figs. 3C–D , 4G–I , 5E–F , 6D–F , 7I–J , 8A

Callidea spinigera Dallas, 1849: 186 . Syntypes: ♂, ♀, Boutan [= Bhutan]; BMNH? (not found).

Sophela spinigera : Walker (1867): 18 (records).

Lamprocoris spiniger : Stål (1873): 22 (listed, record, distribution), Distant (1879): 44 (listed), Atkinson (1887): 183 (reproduction of original description, variability, distribution), Lethierry and Severin (1893): 28 (catalogue, distribution), Distant (1902): 64 (redescription, habitus, figures, distribution), Schouteden (1904): 28 (catalogue, figure, distribution), Paiva (1907): 17 (record), Kirkaldy (1909): 301 (catalogue, distribution), Yang (1962): 23 (in key), 34 (redescription, habitus, host plant, record, distribution), Hsiao and Zheng (1977): 62 (in key, redescription, figure, photo, distribution), Yang and Wu (1981): 70 (host plants, distribution), Zhang et al. (1983): 48 (distribution), Datta et al. (1985): 19 (redescription, figure, distribution), Jiang (1985): 56 (distribution), Zhang et al. (1987): 118 (in key, distribution), Hu (1989): 428 (record, habitat), Li et al. (1989): 38 (listed), Zheng and Jin (1990): 141 (record), Hua (2000): 168 (listed, distribution), Göllner-Scheiding (2006): 198 (catalogue, distribution), Yang and Du (2006): 285 (records), He et al. (2011): 59 (records), Li (2011): 177 (redescription, photo, distribution), Xie et al. (2011): 79 (records).

Lamprocoris spinigera : Distant (1901): 100 (record).

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: INDIA: West Bengal: Barakar, 1886, Schwarz (1 ♂ 1 ♀ NHMW) ; Darjeeling , B.M.1903-374 (1 ♀ BMNH) ; Dardjil-ing [= Darjeeling], 1886, Harmand (3 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀ MNHN) ; same, A. Desgodins, coll. R. Oberthür 1900 (1 ♂ 1 ♀ MNHN) ; Gopaldhara , 4720 ft., 15.iv. [19]14, H. Stevens (1 ♀ BMNH) ; same but 4.v. [19]18 (1 ♂ BMNH) ; same but 15.viii. [19]18, B.M.1922-307 (1 ♀ BMNH) ; Gopaldhara, Rungbong Valley , 15.v. [19]14, H. Stevens, B.M.1922-307 (1 ♂ 1 ♀ BMNH) ; Gopaldhara , viii.1915, N.A. Baptista, B.M.1931-96 (1 ♂ BMNH) ; Kurseong (1 ♀ USNM) ; same, coll. A.L. Montandon 1910 (1 ♀ MNHN) ; same, R.P. Bretaudeau, coll. R. Oberthür 1898 (1 ♂ MNHN) ; Mungphu [= Mungpoo ], coll. Atkinson, B.M. 92- 6 (2 ♀♀ BMNH) ; ‘Bhoutan Anglais: Maria Basti’ [now in West Bengal], coll. R. Oberthür 1897 (2 ♂♂ 1 ♀ MNHN) ; same, leg. Durel, coll. R. Oberthür 1898 (3 ♂♂ 3 ♀♀ MNHN) ; same but 1900 (2 ♂♂ 1 ♀ MNHN, 1 ♂ MNHN.IZAS) ; Pedong , coll. R. Oberthür 1897 (1 ♂ 1 ♀ MNHN) . Sikkim: Gantok env., Fambong-Lho forest , 2000– 2500 m, 8-15.vii.1997, leg. J. Schneider (1 ♀ ZJPC) ; Sikkim (2 ♀♀ HNHM) ; same, Christie (1 ♂ ZSMC) ; same, coll. Atkinson, B.M. 92-6 (1 ♀ BMNH) ; same, coll. W.L. Distant, B.M.1911-383 (2 ♀♀ BMNH) ; same, 1898, coll. Noualhier (1 ♂ MNHN) ; same, coll. Frühstorfer (1 ♀ NHMW) . Assam: W.F. Badgley , B.M.1906-185 (1 ♂ 1 ♀ BMNH) . Meghalaya: 9 km NW of Jowai, 25 ° 30 ' N 92 ° 10 ' E, 1400 m, 11–15.v.1999, leg. J. Rolčík (1 ♂ 1 ♀ ZJPC) ; Khasia [= Khasi Hills ], 4500–6000 ft., coll. W.L. Distant, B.M.1911-383 (1 ♀ BMNH) ; Khasi Geb[irge] [= Hills], coll. K. Brancsik (1 ♀ HNHM) . Nagaland: Naga [Hills ], 2000–6000 ft., coll. W.L. Distant, B.M.1911-383 (1 ♀ BMNH) ; Naga Hills (1 ♀ HNHM) . — NEPAL: Prov. Chautara: Thodung , 2100 m – Bloomje, 2300 m, 12–13.v.1976, leg. W.L. Blom (1 ♂ RMNH) ; Kathmandu valley, Nagarjun Mt. , 1600 m, 1–10.v.1996, leg. A. Sothsivko (4 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀ ZJPC) ; Kosi Zone, Dhankuta Distr., Arun valley, Hille-Shidua, Bhedetar , 2000–2700 m, 24– 28.v.1996, leg. P. Čechovský (1 ♀ ZJPC) ; Khandbari Distr., forest S Mansingma , 2200 m, 11.iv.1984, leg. Smetana and Löbl (1 ♂ ZJPC) ; [ Nepal?:] Mt. Everest (1 ♀ HNHM) ; Nepal, lč. 2181 (1 ♂ NMPC) . — BHUTAN: Bootan [West Bengal?], Moore (1 ♀ RMNH) ; ‘ Bhoutan anglais’ [= West Bengal?], coll. R. Oberthür 1899 (2 ♂♂ MNHN) ; same but 1900 (2 ♀♀ MNHN) . — BANGLADESH: Silhet [= Sylhet], coll. Fitch (1 ♀ USNM) . — BURMA ( MYANMAR): Kachin State: Nam Tamai Valley , 27 ° 42 ' N 97 ° 54 ' E 3000 ft., 29.viii.1938, R. Kaulback, B.M.1938-741 (1 ♀ BMNH) ; Sin Lum, near Bhamo , 6000 ft., Tho[ma]s Selkirk, B.M. 1908-723 (1 ♀ BMNH) . Chin State: Chin Hills , v.2000 (4 ♀♀ USNM) . Shan State: Shan States, Kolaw [= Kalaw ] (1 ♀ RMNH) ; same locality, 4000 ft., 14.iv.1916, F.M. Mackwood, B.M.1916-205 (1 ♂ 1 ♀ BMNH) ; Karen Hills, Doherty , coll. W.L. Distant, B.M.1911-383 (1 ♂ 1 ♀ BMNH) ; Ruby Mines, Doherty , coll. W.L. Distant, B.M.1911- 383 (1 ♂ 1 ♀ BMNH) . — CHINA: Yunnan: Yipinglang , 25 ° 04 ' N 101 ° 55 ' E, 1800–2000 m, 17– 20.vi.1994, leg. V. Kubáň (3 ♀♀ NMPC) ; Jinping: Hetouzhai , 2000 m, 10.v.1956, leg. K.R. Huang (1 ♂ IZAS) ; same but 15.v.1956 (1 ♂ 1 ♀ IZAS) ; same but 1500–1700 m, 11.v.1956 (11 ♂♂ 15 ♀♀ IZAS) ; same but 1600–1700 m, 12.v.1956 (1 ♀ IZAS) ; same but 1700 m, 16.v.1956 (3 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀ IZAS) ; Nanjian, Mt. Fenghuang , 2400 m, 3.vi.2001, leg. W.J. Bu (1 ♂ NKUM) ; Zhenkang , 1620 m, 10.v.1955, leg. T.R. Huang (1 ♂ 1 ♀ IZAS) ; Jingdong, Mt. Ailao , 12.v.1984 (1 ♀ NKUM); same but 13.v.1984, leg. L.Y. Zheng (1 ♂ 1 ♀ NKUM) ; Jingdong, Liyue , Luoshuidong , 1750– 1950 m, 17.xi.2001, leg. W.B. Zhu (3 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀ NKUM) ; Jingdong, Wenlong, Wenchang , 1800– 2000 m, 11.xi.2001, leg. W.B. Zhu (1 ♂ 1 ♀ NKUM) ; Jingdong, Mt. Wuliang , Gongping Village, 1850 m, 26.v.2001, leg. X.H. Ou (1 ♀ NKUM) ; Dehong, Yinjiang, Toubiguan , 1530– 1790 m, 19.v.2009, leg. B. Cai (1 ♂ NKUM) ; Lüchun , 1900 m, 30.v.1996 (1 ♀ NKUM) , Xishuangbanna: Mengsong , 1600 m, 22.iv.1958, leg. X.W. Meng (1 ♂ 1 ♀ IZAS) ; same but 23.iv.1958, leg. Y.R. Zhang (1 ♂ IZAS) ; same but 25.iv. 1958, leg. S.Y. Wang (2 ♀♀ IZAS) ; same but leg. Y.R. Zhang (1 ♀ IZAS) ; same but 26.iv.1958, leg. Z.Z. Chen (1 ♂ IZAS) ; same but 24.vii.1958, leg. L.Y. Zheng (1 ♀ IZAS) ; same but 25.vii.1958 (1 ♀ IZAS) ; [Menghai:] Mengzhe , 1750 m, 23.vi.1958, leg. S.Y. Wang (3 ♂♂ 2 ♀♀ IZAS) ; same but leg. F.J. Pu (1 ♂ 2 ♀♀ IZAS) ; same but 25.vi.1958, leg. Z.Z. Chen (1 ♂ 2 ♀♀ IZAS) ; same but 1700 m, 26.vi.1958, leg. S.Y. Wang (4 ♀♀ IZAS) ; Menglong , 27.iv.1958 (1 ♂ NKUM) ; Xiaomengyang , 850 m, 26.iii.1957, leg. J. C. Zang (1 ♀ IZAS) ; Jinghong , 950–2040 m, 30.vi.1958, leg Y.R. Zhang (1 ♀ IZAS) ; same, 21 ° 57 ' N 100 ° 35 ' E, 12–21.vi.2006, leg. Kremitovský (2 ♀♀ MMBC) ; Guangxi: Napo, Defu , 1440 m, 5.iv.1998, leg. C.S. Wu (1 ♂ IZAS. NKUM) . Tibet: Mêdog, Bangxin , 900–1200 m, 9.xii.1980, leg. Y.H. Han (1 ♀ IZAS) . — THAILAND: Chiang Rai Prov.: 7 km S of Doi Chang , 1600± 50 m, 19 ° 48 ' 55"N 99 ° 34 ' 45"E, 16– 18.v.2009, leg. L. Dembický (1 ♂ MMBC) . — LAOS: Phongsaly Prov.: Phongsaly Env. , ~ 1500 m, 21 ° 41–2 ' N 102 ° 06–8 ' E, 28.v–20.vi.2003, leg. V. Kubáň (1 ♂ MMBC) . — VIETNAM: Lao Cai Prov.: Tonkin, Chapa [= Sa Pa ], vi.1916, R. Vitalis de Salvaza (1 ♀ RMNH) ; Lao Kay [= Lao Cai ], E. le Moult (2 ♂♂ RMNH) ; Sapa [= Sa Pa ], 22 ° 20 ' N 103 ° 50 ' E, leg. E. Jendek (1 ♀ NHMW) . Tay Ninh Prov.: Tayninh [= Tây Ninh ], x.1923, leg. E. le Moult (1 ♂ RMNH) ; same but without date (2 ♀♀ RMNH).

1 Black markings on dorsum: absent = 0; present = 1.

2 Antennal segment IIa: ring-like; much less than half as long as IIb = 0; at least about half as long as IIb = 1.

3 Humeri: unarmed = 0; produced into process = 1.

4 Anterior margin of proepisternum: weakly produced = 0; distinctly produced = 1.

5 Peritreme: not conspicuously broadened = 0; greatly broadened, semicircular = 1.

6 Tibia: without dorsal furrow = 0; with dorsal furrow at least apically = 1.

7 Lateral margin of abdomen: concealed by scutellum = 0; exposed marginally = 1.

8 Abdominal trichobothria: both mesad of spiracle = 0; the ectal pair at same level or laterad of spiracle = 1.

9 Furrow of abdominal venter: absent = 0; present = 1.

10 Lateral angles of abdominal ventrites: not tumescent = 0; more or less tumescent = 1.

11 Greatly protruding; conspicuous tumescences on ventrites: absent = 0; present = 1.

12 Genital capsule dorsal surface: broad = 0; narrow = 1.

13 Genital capsule ventral surface: short and convex = 0; extended, posteroventral outline abruptly concave = 1.

14 Genital capsule infolding of dorsal and ventral rim: abruptly excavated = 0; strongly exposed = 1.

15 Genital capsule ventral infolding: without bulge = 0; with 1+1 bulges laterally = 1.

16 Genital capsule setal patch: absent = 0; present = 1.

17 Paramere desclerotized neck: absent = 0; present = 1.

18 Phallotheca: without 1+1 callose thickenings = 0; with 1+1 callose thickenings = 1.

19 Thecal process: absent = 0; present, either rudimentary or distinct = 1.

20 Hinge: voluminous, broadly joining to articulatory apparatus = 0; small, tubercle-like = 1.

21 Conjunctiva: eversible = 0; inflexible = 1.

22 First pair of conjunctival processes (cp-I): absent = 0; present = 1.

23 Second pair of conjunctival processes (cp-II): short and broad = 0; elongate = 1.

24 Distinct sclerotized lobe at base of cp-II: absent = 0; present = 1.

25 Short membranous subbasal lobe of cp-II: absent = 0; present = 1.

26 Bases of third pair of conjunctival processes (cp-III): not fused = 0; fused = 1.

27 Length of aedeagus s. str.: not much longer than endophallic reservoir = 0; much longer than endophallic reservoir = 1.

28 Base of aedeagus: not swollen at base = 0; strongly swollen at base = 1.

29 Dorsoapical lump of aedeagus s. str.: absent = 0; present = 1.

30 Endophallic reservoir: 0 = small, globular, occupying 1/4 of phallothecal cavity, not extending into region of hinge when fully inflated; 1 = large, kidney-shaped, occupying the 3/4 of phallothecal cavity; proximal portion extending to region of hinge when fully inflated.

31 Tergite VIII of female: not produced posteriad at middle = 0; produced posteriad at middle = 1.

32 Tergite VIII and laterotergite VIII of female: separated by a distinct ridge = 0; fused without ridge = 1.

33 Laterotergite IX: closely approaching lateral angle of laterotergite VIII = 0; far remote from lateral angle of laterotergite VIII = 1.

34 Ring sclerite: absent = 0; large, running along outline of anterolateral gynatrial pouch = 1; much smaller than anterolateral gynatrial pouch = 2.

35 Double-walled invaginated tubes on orifices of proximal and distal spermathecal ducts within spermathecal dilation: absent = 0; present = 1.

36 Lateral sclerite of gynatrium: absent = 0; present = 1.

DIAGNOSIS: As a single member of the subgenus Sophela , it is readily recognized by the characters used for diagnosing the subgenus (see above).

REDESCRIPTION: COLOR: Dorsum usually bright iridescent purple or pink ( Figs. 3C–D ), more rarely orange or reddish, less strongly shining (see Intraspecific variability), dorsum of head and usually callar region of pronotum darker; ventral surface of head, thoracic pleura, and abdominal venter dark iridescent violaceous, with more or less expressed purplish shine on ventral surface of head, supracoxal lobes, lateral portion of metepisternum, most of metepimeron, and posterior portions of abdominal sternites; lateral margin of propleuron of same colour as pronotum; most of mesosternum occasionally with a bright orange median vitta; abdominal sternites II–VII broadly margined with orange laterally, spiracles + trichobothria surrounded by a large black patch on each of segments III–VII therefore mesal outline of marginal vitta denticulate; posterior margin of sternite VII (♂, ♀), most of exposed parts of genital capsule and female terminalia orange; antennal segments I, IIa and base of IIb dark iridescent violaceous, remaining parts black; coxae and trochanters orange to brown, remaining parts of legs dark iridescent violaceous.

STRUCTURE: Head: 1.2–1.25 times as wide as its median length, 1.4–1.45 times (♂, ♀) as wide as interocular distance; anteocular portion relatively long, about 2.3 times longer than length of eye measured in dorsal view; clypeus distincly surpassing apices of mandibular plates. Antenna: Segment IIb about 1.8 times as long as IIa. Labium usually surpassing base but not reaching middle of sternite III. Thorax: Pronotum 1.9–2.05 times as broad (excluding humeral processes) as long; lateral margin very weakly concave, broadly and rather thickly carinate; humeral process horizontal, pointed, junction with lateral margin of pronotum straight anteriorly, concave posteriorly. Pregenital abdomen: As in the subgeneric diagnosis.

External male genitalia: Genital capsule ( Figs. 4 G–I ) without tubercles laterally, posterior margin strongly produced posteriad, apex shallowly emarginate mesally in dorsal view ( Fig. 4G ), posteroventral outline deeply concave in lateral view ( Fig. 4I ), posterior median projecion of cup-like sclerite far remote from ventral rim posteriorly. Paramere ( Figs. 5E–F ): with strongly curved hook provided with a broad, obtuse, laterally somewhat flattened apex. Phallus ( Figs. 6 D–F ): phallotheca ( Fig. 6F : phth) with 1+1 callose thickenings dorsolaterally, without thecal processes; two pairs of symmetrical conjunctival processes (cp-II, cp-III): cp-II ( Figs. 6D–F : cp-II) long, membranous, with a small membranous lobe laterally close to its base, distal third strongly sclerotized and pigmented, apically sharp; cp-III ( Fig. 6E : cp-III) robust, heavily sclerotized and pigmented, fused at base, apex broad, obliquely truncate; aedeagus s. str. thick, greatly swollen, almost spherical dorsally, distally straight and more or less tubular, directed posteriad, obliquely truncate apically.

External female genitalia ( Figs 7I–J ): Terminalia in resting position as in Fig. 7I ; tergite VIII and laterotergites VIII completely fused, no clear edge present between them but they form rather a continuous declivous surface posteriorly; tergite VIII shortly but distinctly produced posteriorly along meson; laterotergites IX small, broadly separated from their counterparts along meson and from ventrite VII laterally, leaving sternite X ( Fig. 7I : s 10) and most of fused valvifers IX ( Fig. 7I : vf 9) exposed; valvifer VIII robust. Gynatrium with a small posteromedial pouch ( Fig. 7J : pmgp); 1+1 small dorsolateral pouches ( Fig. 7J : dlgp) surrounding base of spermathecal duct, lateral sclerites ( Fig. 7J : lgs?) apparently present as weak sclerotizations along mesal margins of dorsolateral pouches; 1+1 broad anterolateral pouches ( Fig. 7J : algp) provided with 1+1 thin but distinct ring sclerites ( Fig. 7J : rs); fecundation sclerite ( Fig. 7J : fec) surrounds base of spermathecal duct, continued into a long, thick stem posteriorly (nearly straight in lateral view). Spermatheca: proximal duct very short; dilation very large, ellipsoid; distal duct relatively short but distinctly longer and narrower than proximal duct; apical receptacle elongate, apically globose.

MEASUREMENTS (in mm; n = 5 ♂♂ 5 ♀♀). Body length 12.0–15.5 (♂)/13.9–16.0 (♀). Length of head 2.43–3.00, witdh across eyes 3.08– 3.69, interocular distance 2.10–2.53, lengths of antennal segments (I) 0.85–1.08: (IIa) 0.73–0.93: (IIb) 1.30–1.68: (III) 1.78–2.30: (IV) 2.38–3.10; length of pronotum 3.55–5.10, greatest width (measured across bases of humeral spines) 7.37– 9.80, length of scutellum 7.37–9.60, greatest width 6.93–9.02, greatest width of abdomen 7.95–10.75.

INTRASPECIFIC VARIABILITY: The color of the dorsum is considerably variable, light purple or pink and strongly shining specimens are most common in collections ( Figs. 3C–D ). Softened specimens, and probably living specimens are usually golden, but orange or dark red and rather dull specimens are not rare either. Specimens are otherwise remarkably uniform.

BIONOMICS: A montane species generally found in mountainous woodland habitats. In the Ailao Mts., Yunnan, it was recorded from forests dominated by Pinus yunnanensis Franch. ( HU, 1989). Its host plants are unknown. Although YANG (1962) claimed that it is harmful to unspecified forest trees in China, its importance is certainly insignificant.

REMARKS: Although the type material could not be located, this distinctive species can readily be identified based on the original description and illustrations.

DISTRIBUTION: Lamprocoris spiniger is a montane species occurring in the southern ranges of the Eastern Himalayas, the neighbouring Naga Hills and Hengduan Mountains, extending southwards along the Indo-Burman Ranges to the Chin Hills ( Fig. 8A ). We have seen specimens from southern Vietnam (Tây Ninh) therefore it might be distributed along the Annamite Range but we did not see voucher specimens from eastern Indo-China. We provide the first country records for Bangladesh and Thailand.

INDIA: West Bengal!; Sikkim!; Assam!; Meghalaya!; Nagaland! — NEPAL! — BHUTAN! — BANGLADESH! (new record). — BURMA (MYANMAR): Kachin State!; Chin State!; Shan State! — CHINA: Yunnan!; Guangxi!; Tibet! — THAILAND: Chiang Rai Prov.! (new record). — LAOS: Phongsaly Prov.! — VIETNAM: Lao Cai Prov.!, Tay Ninh Prov.!

Figures

Fig. 3. A–B. Lamprocoris roylii (Westwood, 1837), female from Nepal: Arun Valley (NHMW) (A. dorsal view; B. ventral view). C–D. Lamprocoris spiniger (Dallas, 1849), female from China: Yunnan, Lüchun (NKUM) (C. dorsal view; D. ventral view). Scale bars in mm.

Fig. 4. Genital capsules of Lamprocoris spp. in dorsal (A, D, G), posterior (B, E, H) and lateral (C, F, I) views. A–C. Lamprocoris lateralis (Guérin-Méneville, 1838); D–F. L. roylii (Westwood, 1837); G–I. L. spiniger (Dallas, 1849). Scale bars in mm. (C reproduced from Tsai et al., 2011.)

Fig. 5. Right parameres of Lamprocoris spp. in two different views. A–B. Lamprocoris lateralis (Guérin- Méneville, 1838); C–D. L. roylii (Westwood, 1837); E–F. L. spiniger (Dallas, 1849). Scale bars in mm.

Fig. 6. Phalli of Lamprocoris spp. in dorsal (A, D), lateral (B, E) and ventral (C, F) views. A–C. L. roylii (Westwood, 1837); D–F. L. spiniger (Dallas, 1849). Scale bars in mm.

Fig. 7. Female genital and postgenital segments in posterior (A, F, I) and lateral (B, C) view, left laterotergites IX (D, G), and gynatrial complex (E, H, J) of Lamprocoris spp. A–E. Lamprocoris lateralis (Guérin-Méneville, 1838); F–H. L. roylii (Westwood, 1837); I–J. L. spiniger (Dallas, 1849). Scale bars in mm.

Fig. 8. Distribution of Lamprocoris spp. A. L. spiniger (Dallas, 1849); B–C. L. lateralis (Guérin-Méneville, 1838) (circles: typical form; triangles: f. ‘smaragdus’); D. L. roylii (Westwood, 1837). Solid circles represent specimens examined by us, empty circles represent literature records.