Paraplea lateromaculata Cook, 2020

Cook, Jerry L., Sites, Robert W. & Vitheepradit, Akekawat, 2020, The Pleidae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera) of Thailand, with the descriptions of two new species and a discussion of species from Southeast Asia, ZooKeys 973, pp. 35-68 : 35

Paraplea lateromaculata Cook sp. nov. Figures 6 , 7-8 , 9 , 10-11 , 24B

Description.

All measurements are in millimeters and were taken from 224 adult specimens from throughout Thailand as reported in the distribution portion of this paper. Specimens used for this description are deposited at SEMC, SHSU, and UMC.

Body size. Total length, 1.21-1.58 (average 1.42) (Fig. 6A, B, D ); two specimens not included in this range unusually large, 2.35 and 2.52, but consistent in all other morphological characters with this species.

Color. Color may vary slightly among individuals (Fig. 6A, B, D ). Base color of body most often golden-tan with some darker brown markings. A few specimens exhibit a weak banding pattern of the hemelytra (Fig. 6A ), banding more pronounced in small percentage of individuals that are more lightly colored (Fig. 6B ); many with some honeycombing (Fig. 6B, D ); small percentage of lightly colored specimens with red patches on vertex of head. Nearly all specimens with three dark spots on pronotum, two near posterolateral region and one at dorsal middle posterior. Distinctive dark spot on hemelytra above metacoxa (Fig. 6A, D ).

Head. Head (Fig. 6C ) generally light-brown to cream-colored, often with darker markings between eyes. Face and vertex often with a distinctive vertical bar (Fig. 6C ), although sometimes missing or not distinctively bar-shaped. Antenna three-segmented, usually hidden from view below eye (extended and visible in Fig. 1A ). Head size similar among Thai specimens, head width (excluding two unusually large specimens noted above) at widest point including eyes 0.62-074 (average 0.67), head width at narrowest point between eyes, 0.29-0.39 (average 0.35), OI 45-55 (average 50).

Pronotum. Base color usually light-tan but ranging between nearly white to brown, usually with lighter colored honeycombing apparent; most specimens have three distinct dark spots, one near posterolateral edge and one near the central posterior margin of pronotum (Fig. 6B ); most have visible central vertical band without punctures, at least at anterior end (Fig. 6B, C ); slight bulge present toward lateral posterior; punctures present, ~ 0.02; if honeycombing present, punctures located between honeycomb bars (Fig. 6B, D ); pronotum width 0.58-0.84 (average 0.74); pronotum length 0.29-0.63 (average=0.42); PI 38-69 (average 57).

Wings. Complete to posterior; punctures evenly dispersed with only small distance between punctures, not in rows (0.02 - 0.03 in diameter) (Fig. 6A, D ); underlying honeycomb structure sometimes present; claval suture present in most (Fig. 6A ) but absent in some (Fig. 6D ); scutellum with distinct punctures, usually darkened in center (Fig. 6B ), more widely spaced than other punctures, punctures not in apparent order; scutellum base color similar to hemelytra, almost white to golden-brown; lateral view shows distinct black spot near margin (Fig. 6A, D ), resembling spots on prothorax; darker vertical band on some specimens (Fig. 6B ); shape of hemelytra ranging from rectangular (Fig. 6A ) to having a dorsal bulge (Fig. 6D ); scutellum slightly wider than long but often almost triangular (Fig. 6B ), scutellum length 0.21 - 0.43 (average 0.30); scutellum width 0.28-0.48 (average.36); SI 106-148 (average 120). Hind wings membranous, fully-developed, completely concealed by hemelytra.

Legs. Shape of legs as in Fig. 7 . Typical leg measurements: prothoracic leg coxa 0.14, trochanter 0.06, femur 0.37, tibia 0.30, first tarsomere 0.02, second tarsomere 0.15,pretarsal claw 0.10; mesothoracic leg coxa 0.14, trochanter 0.06, femur 0.37, tibia 0.21, first tarsomere 0.02, second tarsomere 0.12, pretarsal claw 0.09; metathoracic leg coxa 0.13, trochanter 0.06, femur 0.40, tibia 0.40, first tarsomere 0.05, second tarsomere 0.17, third tarsomere 0.17, pretarsal claw 0.10; several long hairs along ventral side of trochanter, femur, tibia and tarsus, especially at base of hind tarsus where some hairs reach 0.25 (Fig. 7 ).

Median ventral keel. Thoracic portions distinct from each other, prosternal keel somewhat rectangular with small teeth at anterior and posterior edges; mesosternal keel small but distinctly squared in profile, slightly serrated; metathoracic keel segment somewhat rounded with prominent teeth. Abdominal keel on segments I-IV with distinct teeth, segment I appears fused to metathoracic keel. Figure of typical specimen in Fig. 8 .

Characters of female. Ovipositor roughly rectangular but apical side slightly wider (gonapophysis 1) at end of fused rectangular shaft (gonapophysis 2) (Fig. 9 ); five distinct teeth along posterior border (apical row), although fourth tooth is smaller and somewhat recessed. In some specimens this small tooth appears to be missing; three teeth on ventral border, decreasing in size posteriorly; two rows of three teeth each away from apex, three primary and three secondary, but usually no tertiary teeth; one long hair on ventral side where triangular apex of gonapophysis 1 and basal rectangle of gonapophysis 2 meet, however this hair is sometimes inconspicuous except at high magnification; subgenital plate as in Fig. 10 ; slightly wider than long; width ~ 0.28, length ~ 0.25; relatively smooth but with hairs emerging from shallow pits; tufts of relatively long hairs on each side near apex; slightly shorter hairs spaced throughout genital plate darker v-shaped prominence in center, near apex and extending 2/3 to posterior border.

Characters of male. Aedeagus bulbous and somewhat asymmetrical in typical fashion of family; operculum (subgenital plate) generally triangular, slightly longer than wide (Fig. 11 ), width ~ 0.23, length ~ 0.25, lightly rugulose in center before apex but otherwise smooth to granular, with short hairs throughout, several longer hairs at apex.

Distribution.

Paraplea lateromaculata is found throughout most of peninsular Thailand, and few specimens have also been collected in eastern Thailand (Fig. 24B ). Specimens observed include a single specimen collected from Singapore.

Type material examined.

Holotype female, Thailand: Krabi Province, Amphur Nuea Khlong, Tumbon Klong Kanarn, Ban Klong Kanarn, pond 8°01.045'N, 99°00.450'E, 37 m, 8 I 2006, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-903 (UMC). Paratypes (38 TOTAL): Singapore: Federated Malay States, 31 X 1955, Marshall Laird (1 paratype SEMC). Thailand: Chumphon Province: Amphur Se Wi, Ban Kron, 10°17.390'N, 99°05.464'E, 5 m, 30 V 2004, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-728 (3 paratypes UMC, 1 paratype SHSU); Amphur Sa Wi, Ban Kron, pond, 10°14.542'N, 99°05.555'E, 6 m, 30 V 2004, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-729 (5 paratypes UMC); Amphur Lamae, Ban Suan Som Boon, 09°43.311'N, 99°06.208'E, 20 VI 2006, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-964 (4 paratypes UMC, 1 paratype SHSU). Kalasin Province: Phu Pan National Park, Lahm Huay Noi, 8 km S of Ban Kahm Perm, vegetated margins of river, 7 VI 1998, Vitheepradit, Sites and Simpson, L-162 (1 paratype UMC). Loei Province: Amphur Phukraduna, pond 1 km W of intersection of Hwy 201 and 2019, 21 VI 1998, Vitheepradit and Sawangsak, L-201 (1 paratype UMC). Nong Bua Lamphu Province: Phu Kao-Phu Pan Kham National Park, Namtok Tad Fah Waterfall, 16°55.259'N, 102°27.659'E, 201 m, 10 V 2004, Prommi and Vitheepradit, L-674 (2 paratypes UMC). Phatthalung Province: Praiwan Waterfall, 3 km W of Ban Phut, pond with vegetation, 11 VII 1997, Sites and Permkam, L-135 (2 paratypes UMC). Phetchaburi Province: Amphur Tha Yang, Ban Yang Chum, stream, 12°47'N, 99°40'E, 46 m, 15 V 2003, Vitheepradit and Ferro, L-536 (3 paratypes UMC, 1 paratype SHSU). Prachuap Khiri Khan Province: Amphur Kui Buri Forest, Forest Plantation Station, 12°04'N, 99°37'E, 17 V 2003, 117 m, Ferro and Vitheepradit, L-540 (1 paratype UMC). Songkhla Province: Amphur Ratephum, Tumbon Kampangphet, 7°08.030'N, 100°18.437'E, 30 m, 2 VI 2004, 30 m, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-732 (1 paratype UMC). Trang Province: Amphur Sikao, Tumbon Mai Fard, Ban Klong Maeng, pond, 7°30'N, 99°20'E, 6 m, 10 VIII 2005, Vitheepradit, Simpson and Prommi, L-868 (4 paratypes UMC, 2 paratypes SHSU); Amphur Sikao, Tumbon Mai Fard, Ban Klong Maeng, pond, 7°30.170'N, 99°20.541'E, 6 m, 10 I 2006, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-908 (1 paratype UMC). Northeast Thailand, 15 I 1953 M. E. Griffith (4 paratypes SEMC, 1 paratype SHSU).

Additional material examined.

Thailand: Chumphon Province: Amphur Lamae, Ban Suan Som Boon, 09°43.311'N, 99°06.208'E, 13 m, 20 VI 2006, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-964 (7 specimens UMC); Amphur Sa Wi, Ban Kron, 10°17.390'N, 99°05.464'E, 5 m, 30 V 2004, Vitheepradit and Prommi L-728 (2 specimens UMC); Amphur Sa Wi, Ban Kron, pond, 10°14.542'N, 99°05.555'E, 6 m, 30 V 2004, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-729 (5 specimens UMC, 1 specimen SHSU). Kalasin Province: Phu Pan National Park, black light at Park Headquarters near pond; 7 VI 1998, Sites, Simpson, and Vitheepradit, L-166 (42 specimens UMC, 1 specimen SHSU); Phu Pan National Park, Lahm Huay Noi, 8 miles S of Ban Kahm Perm, vegetated margins of river, 7 VI 1998, Vitheepradit, Sites and Simpson, L-162 (3 specimens UMC). Kanchanaburi Province: Thong Pha Phum, Reforestation Station, black light, 14°39'N, 98°35'E, 211 m, 11 IV 2002, UMC & CMU teams, L-333 (1 specimen UMC). Krabi Province: Amphur Nuea Khlong, Tumbon Klong Kanarn, Ban Klong Kanarn, pond 8°01'N, 99°00'E, 37 m, 8 I 2006, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-903 (2 specimens UMC). Loei Province: Amphur Phukradung, pond 2 km W of intersection of Hwy 201 and 2019, 21 VI 1998, Vitheepradit and Sawangsak, L-201 (6 specimens UMC). Nakhon Si Thammarat Province: 6 km N of Amphur Chulabhorn on Hwy 41, pond, 8°07.625'N, 99°51.540'E, 31 m, 8 VI 2004, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-756 (1 specimen UMC); Amphur Chulabhorn, Tumbon Na Moh Boon, 8°01.664'N, 98°53.763'E, pond, 20 m, 4 VI 2004, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-741 (1 specimen UMC); Nopphitam Khlong Yod Leung, stream, 8°38'N, 99°44'E, 78 m, 26 V 2005, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-800 (1 specimen UMC). Nong Bua Lamphu Province: Phu Kao-Phu Pan Kham National Park, Namtok Tad Fah, 16°55.259'N, 102°27.659'E, 201 m, 10 V 2004, Prommi and Vitheepradit, L-674 (1 specimen UMC). Phatthalung Province: Praiwan Waterfall, 3 km W of Ban Phut, pond with vegetation, 11 VII 1997, Sites and Permkam, L-135 (2 specimens UMC); Amphur Phayom, Ban Pa Phayom, pond, 7°50'N, 99°56'E, 19 m, 31 V 2003, Vitheepradit and Ferro, L-584 (3 specimens UMC). Phetchaburi Province: Amphur Tha Yang, Ban Yang Chum, stream, 12°47'N, 99°40'E, 46 m, 15 V 2003, Vitheepradit and Ferro, L-536 (8 specimens UMC). Songkhla Province: Amphur Rataphum, Tumbon Kampangphet, 7°08.030'N, 100°18.437'E, 30 m, 2 VI 2004, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-732 (3 specimens UMC); Hat Yai, Prince of Songkla University campus ponds, 21 VI 2002, Sites and Permkam, L-411 (4 specimens UMC); Prince of Songkla University, pond near reservoir, 7°00'N, 100°30'E, 58 m, 8 VI 2005, Prommi, Sites and Vitheepradit, L-834 (7 specimens UMC). Surat Thani Province: Amphur Ban Na, Ban Tha Rau Tai, pond, 8°56.567'N, 99°15.130'E, 4 m, 20 VI 2004, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-782 (3 specimens UMC). Trang Province: Amphur Sikao, Tumbon Mai Fard, Ban Khlong Maeng, pond, 7°30'N, 99°20'E, 6 m, 4 June 2005, Sites, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-831 (1 specimen UMC); Amphur Sikao, Tumbon Mai Fard, Ban Khlong Maeng, pond, 7°30'N, 99°20'E, 6 m, 10 I 2006, Vitheepradit and Prommi, L-908 (44 specimens UMC); Amphur Sikao, Tumbon Mai Fard, Ban Khlong Maeng, pond, 7°30'N, 99°20'E, 6 m, 14 VI 2006,Vitheepradit, Sites and Prommi, L-955 (25 specimens UMC). Northeast Thailand, 15 I 1953, M. E. Griffith (30 specimens SEMC).

Etymology.

The specific epithet combines two Latin roots, latero - meaning the side and - macula meaning spot. Thus, the name refers the distinct dark spot on the lateral side of the hemelytra. This spot is similar to the dorsal pronotal spots found in this species and P. liturata .

Discussion.

In general appearance, P. lateromaculata sp. nov. could be misidentified as P. liturata that is missing two of its dark pronotal spots. However, several consistent characters separate these species. The most obvious of these characters is that P. lateromaculata sp. nov. has one dark spot on each side of the hemelytra, anteriorly near the costal margin, which is absent in P. frontalis . The ovipositors of these species are quite different (compare Fig. 3 with Fig. 9 ), and diagnostic characters of the ventral keel and genital plates also differ between these species. Paraplea lateromaculata sp. nov. is much smaller, none of which had body lengths reaching a length of 1.60 compared to the smallest measured P. frontalis at 1.89.

Paraplea lateromaculata sp. nov. can be differentiated from P. melanodera sp. nov. by their colored markings. More specifically, Paraplea lateromaculata sp. nov. has the distinctive black spots whereas P. melanodera sp. nov. has no black spots but has a black band at the posterior margin of the head. Although the size is similar between P. lateromaculata sp. nov. and P. melanodera sp. nov., recognizable differences exist in other characters as listed in their respective descriptions. Paraplea lateromaculata sp. nov. often has three pronotal black spots on the prothorax as is found in less than 10% of P. liturata ; however, P. liturata has never been observed to have the black spots on the hemelytral costal margin as is seen in all specimens of P. lateromaculata sp. nov.

Figures

Figure 1. Paraplea frontalis specimens from Thailand. Male with most typical coloration in (A) lateral view, (B) dorsal view, and (C) frontal view. (D) Female showing an alternatively colored form in lateral view.

Figure 3. Ovipositor of Paraplea frontalis with gonapophysis 1 to right and gonapophysis 2 to left. Scale bar: 0.1 mm.

Figure 6. Paraplea lateromaculata sp. nov. specimens from Thailand. A mele in lateral view with typical coloration. B dorsal view of a light colored morph that shows dark banding and honeycombing. C frontal view of specimen in B. D female showing an alternatively colored form in lateral view without dark bands.

Figure 9. Ovipositor of Paraplea lateromaculata sp. nov. Scale bar: 0.05 mm.

Figure 24. Distribution records in Thailand of A Paraplea frontalis B P. lateromaculata sp. nov., C P. liturata D P. melanodera sp. nov.

Figures 7 - 8. Paraplea lateromaculata sp. nov. 7 prothoracic leg above, mesothoracic leg in the middle and metathoracic leg below. 8 profile of the ventral keel with the anterior end (thoracic) to the top and ventral to the left.

Figures 10 - 11. Genital plates of Paraplea lateromaculata sp. nov. 10 female, 11 mele. Scale bar: 0.1 mm.