Zootaxa 3826 (3): 497516 ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)

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Copyright 2014 Magnolia Press
Article ZOOTAXA
ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3826.3.4
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1AF56804-66F0-4516-A552-1897B512DF08

Pothea berengeri sp. nov. from Brazil, with taxonomic notes on Pothea furtadoi
Gil-Santana & Costa and Pothea jaguaris (Carpintero) and reinstatement of
Parapothea Carpintero as junior synonym of Pothea Amyot & Serville
(Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae)

HLCIO R. GIL-SANTANA
Laboratrio de Diptera, and Programa de Ps-Graduao em Biodiversidade e Sade, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Bra-
zil. E-mail: helciogil@uol.com.br; helciogil@ioc.fiocruz.br

Abstract

Pothea berengeri sp. nov. from Brazil is described based on male and female specimens. Based on intraspecific variation
of Parapothea jaguaris and morphological similarities with the species of Pothea studied, the monotypic genus Parapo-
thea Carpintero is reinstated as a junior synonym of Pothea Amyot & Serville with the subsequent combination Pothea
jaguaris (Carpintero). Intraspecific morphological and color variations of Pothea jaguaris (Carpintero) and Pothea furta-
doi Gil-Santana & Costa are documented and discussed. Male genitalia of all three species are described and illustrated.
Pothea jaguaris is recorded from French Guiana for the first time and comments on its sexual dimorphism are provided.

Key words: Ectrichodiinae, Neotropical Region, new species, color variation

Introduction

In the Americas, 23 genera and more than one hundred species of Ectrichodiinae have been described (Maldonado
1990, Carpintero & Maldonado 1996, Brenger & Gil-Santana 2005, Gil-Santana & Baena 2009, Gil-Santana et al.
2013a).
In the revision of the New World Ectrichodiinae, Dougherty (1995) recognized 19 valid genera, some of
which were discordant to the 17 accepted by Carpintero & Maldonado (1996). Among these, Parapothea
Carpintero, 1980 and Jorgcoris Carpintero, 1980 were considered as synonyms of Pothea Amyot & Serville, 1843
by Dougherty (1995). Dougherty argued these taxa represent unique variations from what is already seen in the
diverse Pothea the difference does not appear great enough to warrant generic status. Carpintero & Maldonado
(1996) either did not recognize or overlooked this synonymy (Forero 2006), and since then, the genus has been
recognized as valid by Forero (2004, 2006). Carpintero (1980) also created a new subgenus, Pothea
(Brachypothea) Carpintero, 1980 with P. hepperi Carpintero, 1978 as the type species and described two more
species in this subgenus, P. yungaensis Carpintero, 1980 and P. carvalhoi Carpintero, 1980. By consequence, in his
catalogue, Maldonado (1990) considered only these three species as included in P. (Brachypothea) and more than
25 other species as belonging to Pothea (Pothea) Amyot & Serville, 1843. In addition to arguing that P.
aeneonitens Stl, 1864 may fit in P. (Brachypothea), Carpintero & Maldonado (1990) included five more species
in P. (Brachypothea) in their species key to this subgenus. Carpintero & Maldonado (1996) included 21 species in
P. (Pothea) and nine species in P. (Brachypothea). Dougherty (1995) made no mention of the subgenera of Pothea,
while Forero (2004, 2006) considered them as valid.
Recently, Gil-Santana et al. (2013a) included all genera considered valid by Carpintero & Maldonado (1996)
and those described by Dougherty (1995) and Brenger & Gil-Santana (2005) in their key to New World genera of
Ectrichodiinae. The genera can be recognized from this compilation.
In Pothea, the longitudinal sulcus on the anterior lobe of the pronotum has been considered obsolete, reduced
to a medial or discal fovea by Carpintero (1978) and Carpintero & Maldonado (1996). However, in a footnote

Accepted by K. Menard: 4 Jun. 2014; published: 1 Jul. 2014 497

(page 185), Carpintero (1978) mentioned that the longitudinal sulcus on the anterior lobe of the pronotum in
Pothea could be exceptionally straight and profound without reaching the transverse furrow. Dougherty (1995)
considered the mid-longitudinal furrow well developed or weakly developed anteriorly in this genus. When
describing Parapothea, Carpintero (1980) considered it close to Pothea sensu strictu, from which could be
distinguished by very strong legs, a divided pronotum and a distinct coloration. In a key to the genera of New
World Ectrichodiinae, Carpintero & Maldonado (1996) diagnosed Parapothea as possessing the anterior lobe of
the pronotum with 1 + 1 paramedial lobes, the shiny yellowish-brown with jaguar-like spots, the longitudinal
sulcus not reaching transverse constriction and the body size of 17 mm. Being the type species and currently only
included in Parapothea (Forero 2006), P. jaguaris Carpintero, 1980 was described from a single female specimen
from Bolivia (Carpintero 1980). This species was later recorded by Gil-Santana (2007) from Brazil based on a
single female as well. Carpintero & Maldonado (1996) presented figures of P. jaguaris that appeared to be based on
the holotype. Forero (2004, 2006) regarded Parapothea as valid and considered it distinguishable from other
Neotropical Ectrichodiinae by the presence of two protuberant hemispherical lobes on the anterior pronotal lobe
(Forero 2006). He considered this character consistent between the type species (i.e., P. jaguaris) and an
undescribed species examined by him, and thus of generic value (Forero 2006). This undescribed species of
Parapothea differs notably in coloration from P. jaguaris (Forero 2006). Until formal description of the new
species observed by Forero (2006), Parapothea will remain as monotypic. On the other hand, Forero (2004)
recorded that the undescribed species of Parapothea had a particular feature, which was a small tubercle in the
center of gula. This author also considered that if this tubercle could be found in the type species of the genus then
it could be regarded as an autapomorphy, since it has not been identified in other species of Pothea.
Interestingly, when describing Pothea, Amyot & Serville (1843) recorded its prothorax with a pronounced
longitudinal furrow that crossed the transverse sulcus. These authors included two species in the genus, P. frontalis
(Lepeletier & Serville, 1825) and P. ventralis (Lepeletier & Serville, 1825), furnishing only details of their
coloration. However, in descriptions of these species as Reduvius frontalis Lepeletier & Serville and R. ventralis
Lepeletier & Serville by Lepeletier & Serville (1825), diagnosis for both included thorace cruciatim sulcato,
which seems to correspond to medial or discal fovea (Carpintero 1978, Carpintero & Maldonado 1996), together
with the transverse sulcus on the pronotum of Pothea s. str. (Carpintero 1980).
Intra-specific variation in coloration and body size have been recorded in several species of Ectrichodiinae.
These characteristics can occur in the same population or suggests geographic variation of the same species
(Wygodzinsky 1951, Dougherty 1995, Gil-Santana & Baena 2009, Gil-Santana et al. 2013a). Color variation in
Pothea species was recorded in the revision of the genus by Carpintero (1978). Pothea furtadoi Gil-Santana &
Costa, 2005 was described based on two males showing variation in color, particularly in the dark markings of
sternites (Gil-Santana & Costa 2005).
The antennae of most New World Ectrichodiinae males are pubescent on all segments with short hairs
becoming more abundant on the distal segments. For females, at least the first and often the basal half of the second
segment are bare or very sparsely pubescent and the distal segments have increasingly sparse elongate hairs
(Dougherty 1995). In Pothea, all antennal segments have conspicuous pilosity, and occasionally the first segment is
slightly hairy or glabrous in females (Carpintero 1978). Sexual dimorphism varies: females are frequently
submacropterous and almost always slightly larger than males, and have reduced eyes and ocelli. Basal antennal
segments of females are bare, and the denticulate clypeus frequently seen in males is occasionally found in females
(Dougherty 1995). Wygodzinsky (1951) recorded absence of hairs on the antennal basal segments in males of
Brontostoma decolor (Walker, 1873) and B. rubrum (Amyot & Serville, 1843). Of note, while Carpintero (1980)
considered these two species as synonymies, Maldonado (1990) cited both as valid.
Male genital characteristics have been found to be of little use in the taxonomy of Neotropical Ectrichodiinae
(Dougherty 1995; Carpintero & Maldonado 1996). Dougherty (1995) took the position that there were so few
sclerotized structures in the phallus of Ectrichodiinae that there were no apparent differences among the various
genera, with just a pair of sclerotized plates at the distal tip of the inflated endosoma. Carpintero (1978) recorded
that the endosoma in some Pothea spp. has an apical sclerotized portion and there might be lateral sclerotized
processes in it as well. Gil-Santana et al. (2005), Gil-Santana & Baena (2009) and Gil-Santana et al. (2013a),
however, documented differences in the male genitalic structures of some Brontostoma species (Ectrichodiinae),
highlighting the value of this character system for taxonomic and systematic studies.
On the other hand, in other reduviids, variability in external color and/or diverse geographical origins have

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been associated with a variation in the structure of male genitalia, e.g., in Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811)
(Triatominae) (Lent & Jurberg 1985), Zelus tetracanthus Stl, 1862, Zelus luridus Stl, 1862 (Hart 1986) and
Graptocleptes bicolor (Burmeister, 1838) (Gil-Santana et al. 2013b) (Harpactorinae). Yet, in Apiomerus
flaviventris Herrich-Schffer, 1846 (Harpactorinae), a considerable variation in color as well as in male genitalia
were recorded, with no genitalic patterns corresponding to either color or geographical differences (Berniker et al.
2011). Conversely, in Apiomerus barrocoloradoi Forero, Berniker & Szerlip, 2010, despite the highly variable
coloration, the male genitalia exhibited very little intraspecific variation (Forero et al. 2010). Finally, for Triatoma
infestans (Klug, 1834), which is a species with stable external characters (Lent & Jurberg 1985), the dissection of
the male genitalia of specimens from different regions or populations showed only a small variability in struts and
endosomal processes (Lent & Jurberg 1985, Pires et al. 1998).
Pothea berengeri sp. nov. from Brazil is described based on male and female specimens. Intraspecific
morphological and color variation of P. jaguaris and P. furtadoi are documented and discussed. Male genitalia of
all three species are described. Pothea jaguaris is recorded from French Guiana for the first time and comments on
its sexual dimorphism are provided. Based on intraspecific variation of P. jaguaris and morphological similarities
with the species of Pothea studied, Parapothea is reinstated as a junior synonym of Pothea with the subsequent
combination Pothea jaguaris (Carpintero).

Materials and methods

Observations were done with a stereoscope microscope (Zeiss Stemi), and a compound microscope (Leica
CME). Measurements were made with a micrometer eyepiece and expressed in millimeters (mm). Dissections of
male genitalia were made by removing the pygophore from the abdomen with a pair of forceps, which was cleared
in KOH solution for 24 hours. The phallus was everted by carefully pulling the dorsal endosomal processes with a
pair of fine forceps. Dissected structures were studied and photographed in glycerin. Adults and genitalia images
were taken with digital cameras (Sony DSC-W570 and DSC-HX200V). All drawings were made using a
camera lucida.
Specimens are deposited in the Entomological Collections of the Museu de Entomologia Padre Jesus
Santiago Moure (DZUP), Universidade Federal do Paran, Curitiba, Paran, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da
Amaznia (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, and Museu Nacional da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
(MNRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The [visible] segments of the labium are numbered II to IV, given the first segment is said to be lost or fused to
the head capsule (Weirauch 2008). In addition, according to Schuh et al. (2009), for the convention of numbering
labial segments in the Reduviidae, the apical segment should be considered as number four and then counted
backward towards the base.
As noted by Carpintero (1978), in Pothea, there are only six apparent sternites, whereas the first visible
sternite is really the second. As such, the sternites are numbered II to VII.
The nomenclature of the male genitalia portions used here mostly follows Lent & Wygodzinsky (1979).
However, vesica as recognized by these authors has been considered to be absent in reduviids. The assumed
equivalent structure in reduviids is a somewhat sclerotized appendage of the phallosoma or the endosoma (Forero
& Weirauch 2012), but not the homologous vesica that occurs in other heteropterans such as Pentatomomorpha
(Rdei & Tsai 2011). Thus, this term is used herein for the median process of endosoma, which is named as such.

Taxonomy

Subfamily Ectrichodiinae

Pothea Amyot & Serville

Pothea Amyot & Serville, 1843: 344345 [description]; Stl, 1859, 176 [key], 184 [redescription], 184185 [checklist of
species]; Stl, 1872: 101 [key], 103104 [checklist and key to species]; Walker, 1873a: 47 [key], 80 [key]; Walker, 1873b:
6364 [checklist and key to four species]; Lethierry & Severin, 1896: 131 [catalog]; Champion, 1898: 221 [diagnosis, key

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 to Central American species]; Wygodzinsky, 1949: 23 [catalog]; Wygodzinsky, 1951: 36 [key]; Carpintero, 1978: 177286
[revision of the genus and Argentinean species]; Carpintero,1980: 9 [diagnosis]; Putshkov & Putshkov, 1985: 16 [catalog];
Maldonado, 1990: 6567 [catalog]; Dougherty, 1995: 202 [key], 211212 [diagnosis, checklist of species]; Carpintero &
Maldonado, 1996: 126 [key], 135136 [diagnosis]; Forero, 2004: 144 [diagnosis], 181182 [key]; Gil-Santana et al. 2013a: 71
[key].
Type species: Reduvius ventralis Lepeletier & Serville, 1825: 280, by subsequent designation: Van Duzee, 1916: 29.

Anapothea Miller, 1956: 8; Wygodzinsky, 1959: 297 [as synonym of Pothea].

Type species: Anapothea amoena Miller, 1956: 8, by original designation.

Parapothea Carpintero, 1980: 9 [description]; Maldonado, 1990: 64 [catalog]; Dougherty, 1995: 211 [as synonym of Pothea];
Carpintero & Maldonado, 1996: 126 [key], 134135 [diagnosis]; Forero, 2004: 144 [diagnosis], 181 [key]; Forero, 2006: 8
[discussion on validity]; Gil-Santana et al. 2013a: 71 [key]; REINSTATED SYNONYMY.
Type species: Parapothea jaguaris Carpintero, 1980: 9, by original designation.

Pothea berengeri sp. nov.

Figures 114, 1528.

Diagnosis. Pothea berengeri sp. nov. differs from other species of Pothea by lacking sexual dimorphism in males,
with first antennal segment almost completely glabrous and second antennal with short pilosity. The rounded tylus,
size of male ocelli equal to females; and eyes somewhat smaller than eyes of female are also diagnostic. Females
with hemelytra somewhat longer or reaching the tip of abdomen; male hemelytra shorter, not reaching the tip of the
abdomen (Figs. 1, 15, 24).
Description. Male. MEASUREMENTS: Total length: 17.3; head: total length (including collum): 4.0; maximum
width across the eyes: 1.6; ante-ocular length: 1.9; post-ocular length: 1.6; interocular space: 0.9; transverse width of
right eye: 0.3; length of right eye, measured from above: 0.5; ocellar tubercle width: 0.6; right ocellus width: 0.18;
antennal segments: I: 2.0; II: 3.0; III: 1.2; IV: 0.7; V: 0.55; VI: 0.4; VII: 0.35; VIII: 0.5; labium segments: II [first
visible]: 2.5; III: 1.0; IV: 0.5. Thorax: pronotum: fore lobe length: 1.2; hind lobe: length: 2.4; width at posterior margin:
4.2; scutellum: length: 1.7; width at base: 1.9. Legs: fore legs: femur: 4.0; tibia: 4.0; tarsus: 1.4; middle legs: femur:
4.0; tibia: 4.0; tarsus: 1.5; hind legs: femur: 5.0; tibia: 5.5; tarsus: 1.7. Abdomen: length: 8.6; maximum width: 5.1.
COLORATION: General coloration yellowish-orange to orange-red, with reddish, brownish or blackish markings
(Figs. 1, 5). Head (Fig. 1): with reddish markings along midline, more prominent on clypeus, almost all ocellar
tubercle red, antennal tubercles and around eyes also red; well marked blackish spots behind ocelli and very faint ones
in front of them, both on the ocellar tubercle; eyes blackish. Antenna: first antennal segment orange-yellowish; second
segment somewhat dark, orange-yellowish basally; other segments darkened to brownish, except on the joints, which
are clear, yellowish to whitish. Thorax (Figs. 1, 56). Pronotum: anterior margin, anterior portion of longitudinal
sulcus, lateral portions of the transverse sulcus, lateral stripe on anterior portion of propleura, and a somewhat rounded
spot on posterior portion of propleura slightly dark to brownish. Central portion and lateral margins of scutellum dark.
Meso and metapleura and sterna darkened, intersegmental sutures around metapleura marked with black. Apical third
of femora somewhat reddish. Hemelytra: corium somewhat orange-yellowish, with the area adjacent to scutellum
blackish except at base; a pair of short subparallel brownish-black stripes in the central portion; subapical lateral
portion somewhat reddish, apex darkened; membrane dark brown. Abdomen (Figs. 1, 7). Connexivum orange in
internal portion, dorsally, and reddish in external portion, dorsally and ventrally; sternites orange-yellowish, with the
distal portion of sternite VII, posterior to pygophore, as reddish as connexivum; sternite II [first visible] without dark
markings; intersegmental area between sternites II and III, where there are canaliculae, somewhat darkened; other
sternites with small dark, brownish to blackish markings as follows: lateral subsquared or subrounded markings on
segments IIIVI; a pair of small dark curved stripes on mid portion of sternites IIIIV; curved bands, which are larger
in their median portion, on midline of sternites V and VI, the latter smaller; sternite VII with a very faint dark spot just
anterior to pygophore and lateral small rounded dark markings; area around spiracles somewhat darkened as well.
VESTITURE: Integument almost completely glabrous and shiny (Figs. 12, 57). Antennae with first segment almost
completely glabrous, with just a small yellowish-orange seta on the middle of internal face in the right antenna; basal
portion of segment II glabrous; remainder of this segment and others covered with moderately short setae and a few
longer ones; on segment II, the short setae length are approximately half the width of the segment, while the length of

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PLATE 1. Figs. 17, Pothea berengeri sp. nov., male holotype, 1, dorsal view, 2, head, lateral view, 34, right antenna, dorsal
view, 4, segment I and proximal portion of segment II, the arrow points to a setae, 5, pronotum and scutellum, dorsal view, 6,
pronotum, lateral view, 7, abdomen, ventral view.

the few longer setae are approximately 1.2 times the width of the segment (Figs. 34). Labium with yellowish to
orange sparse setae on ventral face of basal portion of labial segment II, apex of labial segment III, and on base,
dorsally, and apex of labial segment IV (Fig. 2). Legs with short hairs on fore and median trochanters and a mid ventral
fringe of short curved yellowish to orange very short hairs on fore and mid femora and all tibiae; apex of tibiae and
tarsi covered with somewhat longer hairs with the same coloration. STRUCTURE: Head elongated; clypeus elevated
and rounded; eyes moderate size; ocellar tubercle prominent, undivided; labium thick, segment II longer than the
others together and surpassing posterior margin of eyes (Figs. 12); antennae eight-segmented (Fig. 3). Pronotum:
anterior margin as a thin collar; surface smooth with a pair of short, rounded tubercles medially just between anterior
and posterior lobes of pronotum; longitudinal sulcus on anterior lobe shallow, somewhat more profound in second half;
in first half of posterior lobe it is represented only by four small punctures, the most anterior just below the pair of
rounded tubercles; transverse (interlobar) sulcus formed by small and shallow impressions (canaliculae); both sulci
interrupted medially by the pair of tubercles, not reaching each other. Lateral sulcus of posterior lobe of pronotum
weak, formed by shallow canaliculae anteriorly; humeral angles rounded. Scutellum with a deep median depression;
prongs short and convergent (Figs. 1, 56). Legs slender; fore and mid femora somewhat thicker than hind ones; these
latter slightly thick subapically; protibia conspicuously thick at apex, mainly in anterior portion; other tibiae less thick

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PLATE 2. Figs. 814, Pothea berengeri sp. nov., holotype, male genitalia, 89, pygophore and parameres, 8, ventral view, 9,
dorsal view, 10, median process of pygophore, 11, left paramere, ventral and dorsal view, respectively, 1213, phallus, 12,
lateral view, 13, dorsal view, 14, median process of endosoma, dorsal view.

at apex, mid pair a little more than hind tibiae; small spongy fossa on pro and mid tibiae; presence of a median ventral
shallow and thin crest, where the ventral fringe of hairs are inserted, on fore and mid femora and all tibiae, less marked
on hind ones. Hemelytra not reaching tip of abdomen (Fig. 1). Connexivum, in lateral view, with postero-lateral angles
somewhat prominent, which is more accentuated in segment II. Sternites II and III separated by canaliculae; other
intersternite furrow more evident in median portion and almost imperceptible laterally (Fig. 7). Male genitalia (Figs.
814): pygophore sub-squared, posterior margin sinuate; parameres apices close in resting position (Figs. 89).
Median process of pygophore sclerotized, apex rounded (Figs. 910). Parameres symmetrical, curved, somewhat
enlarged, truncated at apex, with short slots on median and medial portion and a small tooth at lateral portion of the
apex (Figs. 89, 11). Phallus with articulatory apparatus moderately short, subretangular; phalothecal dorsal plate
somewhat elongated with angles rounded, sinuous in center of anterior margin; struts rather enlarged at basal half,
united at the apex, which is rounded (Figs. 1213). Median process of endosoma subtriangular, apex rounded, with a
central sclerotized structure, which has three divergent branches directed upward (Fig. 14). Female:
MEASUREMENTS: Total length: 1717.5; head: total length (including collum): 4.24.4; maximum width across the
eyes: 1.61.7; ante-ocular length: 1.82.0; post-ocular length: 1.61.8; interocular space: 0.91.0; transverse width of
right eye: 0.35; length of right eye, measured from above: 0.60.7; ocellar tubercle width: 0.60.8; right ocellus
width: 0.180.20; antennal segments: I: 1.92.0; II: 3.23.5; III: 1.31.4; IV: 0.80.9; [VVIII, absent in one
paratype]; V: 0.6; VI: 0.4; VII: 0.4; VIII: 0.6; labial segments: II [first visible]: 2.72.8; III: 1.2; IV: 0.5. Thorax:
pronotum: fore lobe length: 1.0 1.3; hind lobe: length: 2.32.4; width at posterior margin: 4.64.7; scutellum: length:
1.61.8; width at base: 2.02.4. Legs: fore legs: femur: 4.0; tibia: 4.3; tarsus: 1.41.5; middle legs: femur: 4.14.2;
tibia: 4.04.2; tarsus: 1.6; hind legs: femur: 5.4; tibia: 5.86.0; tarsus: 1.8. Abdomen: length: 8.59.3; maximum width:

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5.65.9. COLORATION: similar to male. General coloration is reddish to clear (Figs. 15, 24). Head: the reddish
markings on the head smaller than male or absent (Figs. 16, 19). Thorax: a pair of suboval faint brownish median
spots present on hind lobe of pronotum (Figs. 15, 19, 24, 27); propleura with a dark faint and irregular stripe on
upper portion; meso and metapleurae and sterna fairly dark; pair of short subparallel brownish-black stripes in the
central portion of corium of hemelytra present (Fig. 15) and can form a darkened larger spot (Fig. 24); sternite II
with a pair of sublateral brownish faint sublateral stripes, and five pairs of subquadrate to subtriangular lateral spots
on sternites IIIVII, and a small median spot on sternite III and median bands on sternites IVVI, which are larger
in the middle portion, especially in sternite VI and almost reach the lateral spots on sternites IVV and right side of
sternite VI, joining the lateral spot in left side of sternite VI (Fig. 22). STRUCTURE: Head somewhat larger in
profile (Fig. 16); first antennal segment completely glabrous (Figs. 1718) or with ten setae on the internal face of
this segment (Figs. 2526). Hemelytra can reach tip of abdomen (Fig. 24). Female genitalia: Posterior view of
external genitalia as Fig. 23.
Distribution. Brazil, states of Mato Grosso and Bahia.
Etymology.The new species is named in honor of the French entomologist, Jean-Michel Brenger, for his
great contribution to the study of Reduviidae.

PLATE 3. Figs. 1522, Pothea berengeri sp. nov., female paratype, specimen from Bahia, Brazil, 15, dorsal view, 16, head,
lateral view, 17 18, right antenna, proximal segments, dorsal view, 19, head and pronotum, dorsal view, 20, fore femur, lateral
view, 21, fore tibia and tarsus, dorsal view, 22, ventral view.

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PLATE 4. Figs. 23 28, Pothea berengeri sp. nov., female paratype, 23, specimen from Bahia, external genitalia, posterior
view, 2428, paratype from Mato Grosso, Brazil, 24, dorsal view, 2526, right antenna, dorsal view, 26, segment I, 27,
pronotum and scutellum, dorsal view, 28, ventral view.

Discussion. The following variability was present in the female paratype of this species: the pair of short
subparallel brownish-black stripes in the central portion of corium of hemelytra is somewhat smaller in one paratype
(Fig. 15) and forms a darkened larger spot in the paratype with reddish coloration (Fig. 24); the reddish markings on
the head was absent in the paratype with clear coloration. The sternites in the other paratype have a brighter
coloration, almost yellowish, while the markings are darker, except on sternite II, in which, besides smaller,
forming spots, they are fainter; the median bands are larger in the middle portion and do not reach the lateral spots
in any segment; on the sternites VVI they form subtriangular spots and not bands; the lateral markings on sternite
VII are much smaller, simple dots (Fig. 28). The paratype with reddish coloration has a somewhat thicker fore and
mid femora and the hemelytra reaches the tip of the abdomen. Despite the mentioned variation, all the common
features between the females, particularly in the structure of head and pronotum, are prone to consider them as
conspecific.
Specimens examined. Holotype: BRAZIL, Mato Grosso, Diamantino, Alto Rio Arinos (14 25S56
29W), 20.X.1983, J. Becker, O. Roppa & B.S. leg. [MNRJ]; 1 male. Paratypes: BRAZIL, Bahia, Encruzilhada,
BR 116, Divisa, XI.[19]74, O. Roppa leg., 1 female; Mato Grosso, Diamantino, Alto Rio Arinos (14 25S56
29W), 10.X.1988, O. Roppa & J. Becker leg. [MNRJ], 1 female.

Pothea furtadoi Gil-Santana & Costa

Figures 2947.

Pothea furtadoi Gil-Santana & Costa, 2005: 400404 [description].

Diagnosis. Male: Total length: 18.021.0; COLORATION: general coloration mostly reddish, but somewhat brighter
in a few specimens, with darkened or blackish markings; legs with submedian small markings on femora; variable
extent and intensity of darkness on femoral apices and subbasal and apical rings on tibiae; variation also present on the
corium of hemelytra, which is reddish on most extension or somewhat brighter to almost yellowish, with the area
adjacent to scutellum, apex and a stripe in the central portion, brownish to blackish, and variable dark coloration (Figs.

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2930, 41, 44). Connexivum reddish, without markings (Figs. 29, 41) or yellowish, with approximately two thirds of
each segment pink colored distally (Fig. 44). Blackish markings on the sternites IIIVII form transverse stripes,
variable in thickness, enlarged at the lateral portion, anterior extension in front of the respective spiracle in the sternites
IIIVI sometimes present (Fig. 32). These stripes are interrupted or incomplete in two or three segments, in which
there are a median and a pair of lateral blackish markings instead of a stripe in some specimens (Figs. 42, 4546).
STRUCTURE AND VESTITURE: Head: antenna eight segmented, all segments pubescent (Fig. 31); clypeus
denticulate. Thorax: integument of pronotum smooth and shiny; midlongitudinal sulcus in anterior pronotal lobe
not reaching interlobar sulcus, moderately deep; midlongitudinal (in the first half of posterior lobe), transverse
(interlobar) and posterolateral sulci formed by canaliculae and well developed; humeral angles rounded (Figs.
2930, 41, 44). Legs slender, femora, particularly fore and mid, somewhat thicker, with patches of slightly long
yellowish hairs on ventral face of fore and mid trochanters and femora, in the latter, they are more numerous on the
basal half; in some specimens these hairs are shorter or less numerous; mid ventral fringe of short curved yellowish to
orange short hairs on median portion of ventral face of all tibiae; apex of tibiae and tarsi covered with somewhat longer
hairs with the same coloration; presence of a median ventral, shallow and thin crest, where the ventral fringe of hairs
are inserted on fore and mid femora and all tibiae; spongy fossa well developed on pro and mid tibiae. Male genitalia
(Figs. 3340, 43, 47): pygophore subpentagonal, posterior margin sinuate; paramere apices close in resting position
(Figs. 3334). Median process of pygophore somewhat elongated, subquadrate and sclerotized (Figs. 3435).
Parameres symmetrical, curved, with a short subapical tooth, rounded at apex (Figs. 3334, 36). Phallus with
articulatory apparatus moderately short; dorsal phallothecal plate lozenge shaped, sinuous in center of anterior margin,
struts enlarged at basal half and united at the apex, which is rounded (Figs. 3739). Endosoma with a pair of lateral
conjunctiva processes approximately at the median portion (Figs. 3738). Median process of endosoma rounded, with
central sclerotized structure somewhat like a Y (Fig. 40) or similar to a T (Figs. 43, 47).

PLATE 5. Figs. 2936, Pothea furtadoi, males from Mato Grosso, Brazil, 29, dorsal view, 30, head, pronotum and basal
portion of hemelytra, dorsal view, 31, right antenna, segments IIII, dorsal view, 32, abdomen, latero-ventral view, 3336, male
genitalia, 3334, pygophore and parameres, 33, ventral view, 34, dorsal view, 35, median process of pygophore, 36, right
paramere, dorsal and ventral view, respectively.

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PLATE 6. Figs. 3747, Pothea furtadoi, 3740, male genitalia, specimen from Mato Grosso, Brazil, 3739, phallus, 37, lateral
view, 38, latero-dorsal view, 39 dorsal view, 40, median process of endosoma, dorsal view, Figs. 4147, males, 4143, paratype
from Minas Gerais, Brazil, 41, dorsal view, 42, ventral view, 43, median process of endosoma, dorsal view, 4447, specimen
from Maranho, Brazil, 44, dorsal view, 45, ventral view, 46, latero-ventral view, 47, median process of endosoma, dorsal view.

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 Discussion. There is size and morphological differences between the males of this species. The male from the
state of Maranho, for example, has a different coloration in connexivum (Fig. 44) and is smaller in total length,
being 17.1 millimeters. Variability in the dark markings of the body was also observed, particularly on the legs,
with submedian small markings on femora in two specimens; variable extent and intensity of darkness on femoral
apices and subbasal and apical rings on tibiae; variation also present on the corium of hemelytra, which is reddish
on most extension or somewhat brighter to almost yellowish, with the area adjacent to scutellum, apex and a stripe
in the central portion, brownish to blackish, and variable dark coloration (Figs. 2930, 41, 44). However, as already
described by Gil-Santana & Costa (2005), the blackish markings on the sternites IIIVII form transverse stripes,
with some variability in thickness, enlarged at the lateral portion, where it may have an anterior extension in front
of the respective spiracle in the sternites IIIVI (Fig. 32). The different portions of male genitalia were shown to be
similar among the specimens examined. The shapes of the dorsal phallotecal plate and struts are particularly
characteristic (Fig. 39). The median process of the endosoma in males from different states of Brazil and with very
diverse coloration (Figs. 2930, 32, 4142, 4446) showed minor variation (Figs. 40, 43 and 47).
Specimens examined. BRAZIL, Bahia, Encruzilhada, BR 116, Divisa, XI.[19]74, O. Roppa leg., 1 male
[MNRJ]; Gois, Mamba, Gruta [cavern] da Tarimba, 29.IV.2013, M. E. Bichuette et al. leg., 1 male; Maranho,
Caxias Inhamum (045439S - 432616W), 535 m, 17.V.2007, Luz [light], F.F. Xavier F & F.L. Oliveira leg.,1 male
[INPA]; Holotype: Mato Grosso, Diamantino, Alto Rio Arinos (14 25S56 29W), 30.IX.2002, E. Furtado leg.,
1 male; 20.X.1983, J.B., O.R. & B.S. leg., 2 males [MNRJ]; Paratype: Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte (19
54S43 56W), 06.X.1959, Evangelista leg., 1 male [MNRJ]; Paran, Fnix, Reserva Est.ITCF, Lev. Ent.
PROFAUPAR, 02.X.1986, lmpada [at light], 1 male [DZUP].

Pothea jaguaris (Carpintero), REINSTATED COMBINATION

Figures 4871, Tables 14.

Parapothea jaguaris Carpintero, 1980: 910, 32 [description]; Maldonado, 1990: 64 [catalog]; Carpintero & Maldonado, 1996:
129, 134 [figures, citation as type species]; Forero, 2004: 144 [citation]; Forero, 2006: 8 [citation]; Gil-Santana, 2007: 60
[new record].
Pothea jaguaris; Dougherty, 1995: 212 [new combination, checklist].

Redescription. Female: Total length 16.218.5 (Table 1). Male: Total length: 14.618.5 (Tables 24).
COLORATION: The coloration is quite variable, yellowish-orange and/or with reddish suffusions, to somewhat
yellow-brownish general coloration, with blackish markings, variably present in their extent on head, including
collum, labium segments, distal portion of labrum, thorax, including legs and corium of hemelytra and sternites
(Figs. 4860). Antennae blackish with joints clear; basal portion of segment I yellowish in variable extent in some
specimens; hairs and setae of antennae brownish red to yellowish distally (Figs. 54, 58). Thorax: pronotum with
three pairs of blackish spots: 1anteriorly on the fore lobe of pronotum; 2suboval spots on central portion of
hind lobe of pronotum, variable in size and extent and variably confluent in midportion, in the region of the median
sulcus as well; 3on lateral portion of approximately distal half of fore lobe and basal half of hind lobe of
pronotum, including the transverse furrow laterally (Figs. 4852, 56, 59). Pleurae and sterna with blackish spots
and markings in variable extents to almost blackish in darker specimens. Legs: femora with base, submedian distal
ring and apex blackish, with some variability in the extent or presence of these markings; tibiae with base and two
rings, submedian proximal and distal, blackish, variable as well; in two specimens, tibiae almost all blackish with
subbasal ring and distal portion yellowish; tarsi yellowish to yellowish-orange. Corium of hemelytra variably
marked with dark spots together with yellowish areas, spots on veins, or some of these latter yellowish-colored to
variable extent, to almost completely blackish; membrane of hemelytra blackish (Figs. 48, 51, 56, 59).
Connexivum shows alternating blackish and yellow-reddish coloration, but the latter is darker in some specimens
(Figs. 48, 51, 56, 59). Sternites yellowish with very variable blackish markings on sternites; sternite II with a
transverse blackish band, for which dimensions both in transverse and antero-posterior directions are variable
among specimens. Sternites IIIVI with lateral large spots accompanied by central bands, which have variable
format along the segments, or become a pair of median separated spots, or the latter variably fused, sometimes
forming a large dark band, occupying the majority of the segment. Sternite VII with lateral blackish spots of
variable size; a median distal band which can be shaped as an inverted V or as a smaller spot with variable
size, and a pair or two pairs of small subrounded dark spots, of variabe size in some specimens (Figs. 50, 55, 60).

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PLATE 7. Figs. 4856, Pothea jaguaris, 4855, female, 4850, specimen from Bolivia, 4849, dorsal view, 49, head and thorax,
50, latero-ventral view, 51, specimen from Cear, Brazil, dorsal view, 5255, specimen from Amap, Brazil, 52, head and thorax,
dorsal view, 53, head, lateral view, 54, antennal segment I, dorsal view, 55, latero-ventral view, 56, male from Acre, Brazil.

STRUCTURE AND VESTITURE: Integument mostly glabrous shiny and smooth (Figs 4853, 5557, 5960).
Head. Antenna: eight segmented, with hairs and setae brownish red to yellowish distally; in males, all segments
pubescent (Fig. 58). First segment thicker than others, bare in mid-dorsal region, hairs somewhat longer than the
transverse width of segment (Fig. 58); second antennal segment with long hairs, which are two to almost three
times as long as width of the segment (Fig. 58). Clypeus denticulate in males. Labium thick with sparse setae, more
numerous on ventral face of segment II few at the apex of segment III, and some scattered on segment IV; segment
II longer than the others together and surpassing posterior margin of the eyes (Figs. 53, 57). Thorax (Figs. 4849,
5152, 56, 59): Integument of pronotum on anterior lobe of pronotum moderately rugous or smooth;
midlongitudinal sulcus in anterior pronotal lobe not reaching interlobar sulcus; deep enough to form a pair of

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protuberant paramedial lobes in some specimens, but in others it is shallow and there is no evidence of such lobes,
even in larger specimens; midlongitudinal (in the first half of posterior lobe), transverse (interlobar) and posterolateral
sulci formed by canaliculae, which vary in depth among the specimens; humeral angles rounded. Femora, particularly,
fore and mid femora, thick in some specimens, with patches of long and numerous yellowish hairs on ventral surface
of fore and mid trochanters and femora. In mid trochanters and femora, hairs are more numerous on the basal half; in
some specimens these hairs are shorter or less numerous; mid ventral fringe of short curved yellowish to orange hairs
on median portion of ventral face of all tibiae; apex of tibiae and tarsi covered with somewhat longer hairs with the
same coloration; presence of a median ventral shallow and thin crest, where the ventral fringe of hairs are inserted on
fore and mid femora and all tibiae; in some specimens this crest is not perceptible on femora; spongy fossa well
developed on pro and meso tibiae. Hemelytra length varied from shorter than abdomen to slightly surpassing the tip.
Male genitalia (Figs. 6171): pygophore subrounded, posterior margin rounded; paramere apices close in resting
position (Figs. 6162). Median process of pygophore sclerotized, apex rounded or slightly subtriangular (Figs.
6263). Parameres symmetrical, a little curved, with sparse hairs, with a short subapical tooth (Figs. 6162, 64).
Phallus with articulatory apparatus moderately long, subquadrate; dorsal phallothecal plate oval, sinuous in center of
anterior margin, lateral margins somewhat bent; struts enlarged at basal half and united in the apex, which is rounded
(Figs. 6567). Median process of endosoma subquadrate, with central sclerotized structure in the shape of an X
(Fig. 70), or more similar to a T (Figs. 69, 71) including other specimen with darker sternites (Fig. 60, B).

PLATE 8. Figs. 5765, Pothea jaguaris, male, 5758, specimen from Acre, Brazil, 57, head, lateral view, 58, right antenna,
segments III, dorsal view, 5960, specimens from French Guiana , 59, dorsal view, 60, ventral view, 6165, male genitalia, 6162,
pygophore and parameres, 61, ventral view, 62, dorsal view, 63, median process of pygophore, 64, right paramere, dorsal and
ventral view, respectively, 65, phallus, dorsal view.

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PLATE 9. Figs. 6671, Pothea jaguaris, male genitalia, 6667, phallus with expanded endosoma, 66, lateral view, 67, dorsal view,
68, median portion of expanded endosoma, with the median process, dorsal view, 6971, median process of endosoma, dorsal view,
69, male from Par, Brazil, 7071, males from French Guiana, 70, from male of Fig. 60, A, 71, from male of Fig. 60, B.

Female: COLORATION: same as males. STRUCTURE AND VESTITURE: Antenna: first and basal half of
the second segment of females are bare or very sparsely pubescent; first segment thicker than others, completely
bare to 20 short setae on internal face; second segment with setae shorter or a little longer than the width of the
segment, with very few scattered longer erect hairs ca. twice as long as the width of the segment (Fig. 54). Clypeus
rounded in females; Hemelytra did not reach tip of abdomen in the females examined.

TABLE 1. Selected measurements (mm) of female specimens (N=4) of Pothea jaguaris.

French Guyana Bolivia Amap, Brazil Cear, Brazil Mean SD
Total length 16.2 17.2 18.0 18.5 17.47 1.0
Abdomen maximum width 6.0 5.9 6.0 5.9 5.95 0.58
Head length (incl. collum) 3.6 3.8 3.9 4.5 3.95 0.39
Head width across eyes 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.0 2.07 0.09
Interocular distance 0.95 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.98 0.02
Right eye: transverse width; 0.65 0.55 0.60 0.60 0.6 0.04
length (meas. from above) 0.55 0.70 0.75 0.85 0.71 0.12
Ocellar tubercle width 0.55 0.65 0.63 0.65 0.62 0.04
Right ocellus width 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0

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TABLE 2. Selected measurements (mm) of male specimens (N=3) of P. jaguaris from Brazil.
Acre Urucu-Coari Urucu-Coari Mean SD
Total length 18.5 17.0 17.0 17.5 0.87
Abdomen maximum width 5.9 5.2 5.6 5.57 0.35
Head length (incl. collum) 4.5 3.8 3.9 4.07 0.38
Head width across eyes 2.5 2.2 2.3 2.34 0.15
Interocular distance 0.95 0.90 0.95 0.94 0.03
Right eye: transverse width; 0.60 0.85 0.85 0.77 0.15
length (meas. from above) 0.90 0.85 0.85 0.87 0.03
Ocellar tubercle width 0.65 0.60 0.65 0.64 0.03
Right ocellus width 0.25 0.20 0.25 0.24 0.03

TABLE 3. Selected measurements (mm) of male specimens (N=7) of P. jaguaris from French Guiana
Maximum Minimum Mean SD
Total length 16.0 14.6 15.2 0.5
Abdomen maximum width 5.2 4.8 5.05 1.14
Head length (including collum) 3.5 3.2 3.29 0.09
Head width across eyes 2.2 2.1 2.12 0.07
Interocular distance 0.90 0.80 0.85 0.04
Right eye: transverse width; 0.70 0.65 0.65 0.04
length (meas. from above) 0.70 0.65 0.68 0.02
Ocellar tubercle width 0.60 0.55 0.58 0.02
Right ocellus width 0.25 0.15 0.20 0.02

TABLE 4. Selected measurements (mm) of all male specimens (N=10) of P. jaguaris examined.
Maximum Minimum Mean SD
Total length 18.5 14.6 15.89 1.25
Abdomen maximum width 4.8 5.9 5.21 0.31
Head length (including collum) 4.5 3.2 3.5 0.42
Head width across eyes 2.5 2.0 2.18 0.13
Interocular distance 0.95 0.80 0.85 0.04
Right eye: transverse width; 0.85 0.60 0.65 0.04
length (meas. from above) 0.90 0.65 0.68 0.02
Ocellar tubercle width 0.65 0.55 0.58 0.02
Right ocellus width 0.25 0.15 0.2 0.02

Discussion. As possible sexual dimorphism in eyes and ocellus sizes were not clear when examining the
specimens, some selected measures were recorded (Tables 14) to investigate this. There were other observed
variations in the specimens of this taxon: all specimens except the female from Bolivia and a male from French
Guiana have a small rounded tubercle on the ventral portion of the head (gula) anteriorly (Figs. 53, 57), as well as
size variation of the tubercle among the specimens; while in the male from French Guiana, in which the tubercle is
absent, some setae are present on the same area of gula. Investigating the male genitalia, the different portions of
male genitalia were shown to be similar among the specimens examined, with very subtle differences in the
thickness of parameres or size of teeth; median process of pygophore rounded to slightly subtriangular. Those
differences showed intermediate or gradual states, occurring randomly among specimens, negating any association

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with color pattern or geographical precedence. The median process of the endosoma showed some minor variation
as well, with the central sclerotized structure similar in shape to a T (Figs. 69, 71) recorded in specimens with
more or less dark body markings from Brazil and French Guiana (Fig. 60, B), while its structure presented as the
shape of an X (Fig. 70) in a male from French Guiana with paler body markings (Fig. 60, A). However, the
shapes of the dorsal phallothecal plate and struts (Fig. 65) are particularly characteristic and there was no
noticeable variation among specimens examined.
Specimens examined. BOLIVIA, Bolivia Tropica, Regin Chapar, 400m, XII-1949, Zischka [? leg.],1
female; BRAZIL, Acre, 11 km NE de Rio Branco, 510.V.1981, Penny & Elias leg., 1 male; Amap, Serra do
Navio, VII-1959, J. Lane leg.,1 female, [MNRJ]; Amazonas, Campo Petrolfero do Urucu-Coari (04 5342,5
S65 1116,2 W), 21.IX04.X.2004, Jos A.M. Fernandes leg., 2 males; Cear, Carquejo, 1 female, III.1963, 1
female; FRENCH GUIANA, Nourages [04 52N52 41W], IX.2009, window trap, Seag leg., 7 males, 1
female.
New Record: French Guiana.

Discussion

Inclusion of P. berengeri sp. nov. in Pothea is in accordance with the characteristics assigned to species of this
genus by Carpintero (1978), Dougherty (1995) and Maldonado & Carpintero (1996). Pothea berengeri sp. nov.
differs from other species of Pothea, and most of the New World Ectrichodiinae by lack of sexual dimorphism in
male. In the latter, the first antennal segment is almost completely glabrous and the second antennal shows short
pilosity (Figs. 34), whereas in males of other Pothea species these segments show long and conspicuous pilosity
(Carpintero 1978, Dougherty 1995). The aspect of the male antenna of P. berengeri sp. nov. is similar to that found
in females of Ectrichodiinae, and this lack of sexual dimorphism had not been recorded for Pothea spp. to date. It is
noteworthy that while a female paratype of P. berengeri sp. nov. showed the first antennal segment completely
glabrous, the other paratype showed ten small setae on the internal surface of this segment (Figs. 1718, 2526).
Other sexually dimorphic features commonly observed in male ectrichodiines are also lacking in the male holotype
of P. berengeri sp. nov, in which the following characters are observed: tylus is rounded (Fig. 2); the size of the
ocelli is equal to that found in the female paratype with smaller ones; the eyes are somewhat smaller than the eyes
of the female paratypes. The latter have hemelytra somewhat longer or reaching the tip of the abdomen, while in the
male holotype they are shorter, not reaching the tip of the abdomen (Figs. 1,15, 24).
Among other species of the genus, P. berengeri sp. nov. seems closest to P. furtadoi, but differs from it mainly
by the following characteristics of the new species: the clypeus is not denticulate in the male (Fig. 2), the sulci of the
pronotum are much less marked, including very faint lateral sulci on the posterior lobe of pronotum (Figs. 5, 19, 27);
the presence of a pair of short rounded tubercles medially just between the anterior and posterior lobes of the
pronotum (Figs. 56, 19, 27). In the male genitalia, the shapes of parameres differ (Figs. 11, 36). In P. berengeri sp.
nov. the apex of the median process of pygophore is rounded and in P. furtadoi it is subquadrate (Figs. 10 and 35,
respectively). The dorsal phallotecal plate and struts differ (Figs. 13, 39), and the median process of endosoma and its
central sclerotized structure are somewhat subtriangular, with the central structure possessing with three divergent
branches directed upward in P. berengeri sp. nov. and rounded with the central structure somewhat like a Y or
similar to a T in P. furtadoi (Figs. 14, 40. 43 and 47, respectively).
Otherwise, as no female of P. furtadoi has been seen and a difference in coloration, particularly in the
coloration of sternites, was recorded in P. berengeri sp. nov. (Figs. 7, 22, 28), some other differences between
females of the latter and females of P. furtadoi may exist and will only be known when females of P. furtadoi are
examined. However, variation in coloration and some other characteristics, such as the depth of the
midlongitudinal sulcus in the anterior pronotal lobe in P. jaguaris, were observed in both sexes (Figs. 4849,
5152, 56, 59), whereas variations in coloration were evident between the female paratypes of P. berengeri sp. nov.
(Figs. 15, 22, 24, 28) and among males of P. furtadoi (Figs. 2930, 32, 4142, 4446). This seems to indicate that
these differences are more likely intraspecific and are not related to a sexual dimorphism. In the same way, the
nature of the differences observed between the coloration of the male holotype of P. berengeri sp. nov. and female
paratypes, particularly on the sternites (Figs. 7, 22, 28), if attributable to intraspecific or sexual variation, will only
be known if more specimens are examined in the future.

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 Variation in size and coloration, particularly in the presence and extent of dark markings on the legs,
hemelytra, connexivum and sternites is recorded for P. furtadoi (Figs. 2930, 32, 4142, 4446). While the more
diversely colored and smaller specimen is unique from a respective locality (Maranho State, Figs. 4446), it is not
possible to associate it with a variation in geographical patterns.
A considerable variation in color and size was observed not only among specimens of P. jaguaris from
different localities, but also among those from the same locality (French Guiana) (Figs. 4853, 5557, 5960). The
tubercle on the gula of P. jaguaris (Figs. 53, 57) was not described by Carpintero (1980) and is absent in his figure
of the lateral view of the head. Coincidentally it has been confirmed as absent in the female from Bolivia examined
here, which is from the same country from which the holotype was collected (Carpintero 1980). As suggested by
Forero (2004), it seems to be a singular character, despite being variable among the specimens examined, including
no differentiation between sexes and its absence in two specimens, a male and a female.
Sexual dimorphism in Pothea berengeri sp. nov. has already been commented on above. For P. furtadoi, as no
female was examined, it is only possible to record that pubescent antennae (Fig. 31) and the denticulate clypeus in
males of this species is in accordance with what has been observed in males of other Pothea spp. (Carpintero 1978,
Dougherty 1995).
Through comparison between males and females of P. jaguaris, the pubescent antennae and denticulate
clypeus in males (Figs. 5758) were easily noticed, contrasting with the almost or completely bare first and base of
the second antennal segments and rounded clypeus in females (Figs. 5354). Other sexual differences noticed in
Ectrichodiinae (Carpintero 1978, Dougherty 1995) were not confirmed or were subtle and should be confirmed by
examining more specimens. These include the following: 1length: the maximum length observed for both sexes
was the same, 18.5 mm, but males were the smallest specimens with the minimum length of 14.6 mm (the smallest
female reached 16.2 mm); 2hemelytral length was somewhat similar, not reaching the tip of the abdomen in all
females and in some males, and in some of the latter, slightly surpassing the tip; 3other measurements of the
head, eyes and ocelli of both sexes (Tables 14) were within the same range of variation or the latter seemed so
close that more specimens must be examined in order to confirm (or not) possible differences and/or reach a
minimal number to allow statistical inference of data.
The male genitalia of all three species examined here revealed several differences, mainly in the shape of the
parameres (Figs. 11, 36, 64), the median process of the pygophore (Figs. 10, 35, 63), the dorsal phallotecal plate and
struts (Figs. 13, 39, 65), and the median process of endosoma and its central sclerotized structure (Figs. 14, 40, 43, 47,
6971), which appear to be useful in the taxonomy of this group. The phallothecal plate and struts are particularly
noteworthy, since their shape and design are invariable within species and seem very particular to each species.
In general, three different situations have been observed in relation to variation in the elements of male genitalia in
reduviids. Firstly, they have been associated with intraspecific color variation and/or different geographical regions
(Lent & Jurberg 1985, Hart 1986, Gil-Santana et al. 2013b). Secondly, no genitalic patterns could be associated
with corresponding color or geographical differences (Berniker et al. 2011, Lent & Jurberg 1985, Pires et al. 1998).
Finally, despite the highly variable coloration, the male genitalia exhibited very little intraspecific variation (Forero
et al. 2010). The latter case seems to agree best with what was recorded for P. furtadoi and P. jaguaris herein. Male
genitalia of P. furtadoi specimens from different Brazilian states and with diverse coloration (Figs. 2930, 32, 4142,
4446) showed only minor variation in the median process of the endosoma (Figs. 40, 43 and 47). Despite the great
variation in color and some morphological features of P. jaguaris (Figs. 4853, 5557, 5960), only minor differences
were recorded in the male genitalia. The thickness of the parameres or the size of its teeth, and the median process of
the pygophore, which was rounded to somewhat subtriangular, showed intermediate or gradual states, occurring
randomly among specimens, negating any association with color pattern or geographical origin. The variation
observed in the median process of the endosoma in P. jaguaris, in which the central sclerotized structure is T-shaped
(Figs. 69, 71) was recorded in specimens with more or less dark body markings from Brazil and French Guiana (Fig.
60, B), while an X-shaped central sclerotized structure (Fig. 70) was recorded in a male from French Guiana with
less dark body markings (Fig. 60, A), precluding an association of this character with color pattern or geographical
regions.
In some specimens of P. jaguaris, the midlongitudinal sulcus on the anterior pronotal lobe is deep enough to
form a pair of protuberant paramedial lobes (Figs. 49, 52). However in other specimens of P. jaguaris that are even
larger, it is shallow and there is no evidence of such paramedial lobes (Figs. 51, 56), similar to other species of
Pothea studied here, such as P. furtadoi (Figs. 2930, 41, 44). As this is the main character separating Parapothea

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(Carpintero 1980, Maldonado & Carpintero 1996, Forero 2006, Gil-Santana et al. 2013a) from other New World
Ectrichodiinae genera, particularly from Pothea, the validity of Parapothea is challenged. It is noteworthy to
highlight that, before the description of Parapothea jaguaris (Carpintero 1980) in a revision of Pothea, the same
author (Carpintero 1978) recognized that the longitudinal sulcus on the anterior lobe of the pronotum could be
exceptionally profound in its proximal portion in Pothea spp. This was similar to what was observed later in P.
jaguaris as well.
The other features that were considered as diagnostic of Parapothea, very strong legs (Carpintero 1980), and
17 mm [of length] (Carpintero & Maldonado 1996), have been shown to be variable among P. jaguaris specimens
and, more importantly, are included in the range of variation of the other two species of Pothea examined. In fact,
the femora of P. jaguaris, particularly the fore and mid pairs, were thick, but were inconsistently less thick in some
specimens. In these latter the femora thickness was similar to that observed in P. furtadoi or even in the female
paratype of P. berengeri sp. nov. with the reddish coloration. Also, the range of length in P. jaguaris specimens
examined here varied between 16.2 18.5 mm (females, Tab. 1) and 14.618.5 mm (males, Tab. 4), while in P.
furtadoi, the length varied between 17.121.0 mm (only males), and in P. berengeri sp. nov., between 17.3 mm
(male holotype) and 17.017.5 mm (females paratypes). Indeed, Carpintero & Maldonado (1996) themselves
recorded in the diagnosis of Pothea: species slender or robust, from 8 to 22 mm, profemora slightly or very
incrassate Coloration of P. jaguaris, even if considered distinct (Carpintero 1980), can only be regarded as of
specific value. As the present work has shown, Pothea jaguaris has many similarities in structure, vestiture, and
other morphological features, including male genitalia structures with other Pothea spp. Although Forero (2004)
had considered the possibility of the tubercle on the gula (Figs. 53, 57), observed by him in an undescribed species,
could be an autapomorphy of Parapothea, the value of this feature alone as such would need to be confirmed in
future more extensive works. This is even more important given it has been shown here to be variable or absent in
P. jaguaris, as is the other feature already considered as diagnostic of Parapothea (two protuberant paramedial
lobes on the fore lobe of the pronotum). All these arguments reinforce the placement of P. jaguaris in Pothea.
Also, many morphological similarities among all three species studied here were observed, including structure,
vestiture, and patterns of color variation and male genital structures, suggesting they are possibly taxonomically close
and their inclusion in the same genus seems to be established at this moment. On the other hand, more extensive
taxonomical studies, including cladistic analyses should be carried out to assess the taxonomic validity and
systematic position of the New World taxa of Ectrichodiinae.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank L. Marinoni, R. R. Cavichioli (DZUP), Augusto Henriques (INPA), and Luiz A. A. Costa
(MNRJ) for allowing the examination of material under their care; Dimitri Forero (Pontificia Universidad
Javeriana, Bogot, Colombia), Katrina Menard (University of Oklahoma, USA), Guanyang Zhang (School of Life
Science, Arizona State Univerity, USA) and an anonymous reviewer for their valuable comments and suggestions;
Jean-Michel Brenger (Unit de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Facult
de Mdecine, Aix Marseille Universit, Marseille, France) and Jos A.M. Fernandes (Universidade Federal do
Par, Belm, Brazil) for the specimens of P. jaguaris from French Guiana and Amazonas State, respectively,
donated by them.

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