Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Type: Article
Published: 2008-05-30
Page range: 33–37
Abstract views: 67
PDF downloaded: 21

First New Zealand record of the genus Macrolophus Fieber, 1858 (Hemiptera: Miridae: Bryocorinae: Dicyphini): Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur, 1839), a beneficial predacious insect

30 Mahana Rd, Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand
Zonda Resources Ltd, PO Box 756, Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand
Plant Health and Environment Laboratory, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand , Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PO Box 2095, Auckland 1140, New Zealand
Hemiptera established economic importance description diagnosis biology key to genera and species

Abstract

Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur, 1839) is recorded for the first time in New Zealand. Viable adult M. pygmaeus were collected in the field in Auckland, in 2007, indicating that the species had already established itself in this country. The biology of M. pygmaeus is briefly discussed in the light of its potential economic benefits to growers of vegetable crops affected by whitefly (Aleyrodidae). The adults and nymphs are described and illustrated. An updated key to the genera and species of Bryocorinae in New Zealand is provided.

References

  1. Carvalho, J.C.M. & Gagné, W.C. (1968) Miridae of the Galapagos Islands (Heteroptera). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences (fourth series), 36(7), 147– 219.

    Eyles, A.C. & Schuh, R.T. (2003) Revision of New Zealand Bryocorinae and Phylinae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Miridae). New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 30, 263–325.

    Martinez-Cascales, J.I., Cenis, J.L., Cassis, G. & Sanchez, J.A. (2006) Species identity of Macrolophus melanotoma (Costa, 1853) and Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur, 1839) (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae) based on morphological and molecular data and bionomic implications. Insect Systematics & Evolution, 37(4), 385–404.

    Southwood, T.R.E. & Leston, D. (1959) Land and water bugs of the British Isles. Warne, London, 463 pp.

    Wagner, E. (1957) Macrolophus brevicornis nov. spec. (Hem. Het. Miridae). Entomologisches Nachrichtenblatt Österreichischer und Schweizer Entomologen, 9, 14–15.

    Wheeler, A.G. (2001) Biology of the plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae): pests, predators, opportunists. Cornell University Press, New York, 506 pp.