Higher Systematics of the Pentatomoidea 119
2.2.10.9.2 Podops Group
The Podops group contains 28 genera and 135 species (Table 2.3) that are widely distributed in all
zoogeographical regions, and is the only group representing Podopinae in the Nearctic and Oceanic
regions (Figures 2.18L, 2.27I). A 29th genus, Burrus Distant, probably also belongs in this group. This
genus has not been studied since the original description; the habitus provided in the original description
appears to be similar to other members of the Podops group, including the stylate eyes.
The following apomorphies define the Podops group, the most morphologically homogeneous group
within the Podopinae. They have conspicuously pedunculate compound eyes (Figures 2.10A, B), and the
antenniferous tubercles are large and at least partially visible in dorsal view. The lateral pronotal angles
are composed of an anterior, sharply toothed projection and a posterior, rounded projection (Figures
2.10I, J). The ventral wall of the pygophore has a lateral, transverse keel on each side, each lateral rim
has a large projection or a distinct movable, distinctly delimited protuberance (parandrium). The pygo-
phore has an infolding of the ventral rim immediately parallel to the ventral wall, and there is a cup-like
sclerite near the ventral rim.
The spermathecae of five genera have been described. In Podops [species studied were P. curvidens
Costa and P. inuncta (F.)] (Leston 1953b, Pendergrast 1957, Jitka Vilímová, unpublished data), the sper-
mathecal bulb is roughly globular, the distal flange of the pumping region is larger and flattened, and the
proximal flange is smaller and dish-shaped. The region between the flanges is straight. The spermathecal
duct is slender and proceeds through the sclerotized rod; the proximal part of the duct is relatively short.
In Amaurochrous Stål [species studied were A. cinctipes (Say) and A. dubius (Palisot de Beauvois)],
the spermathecal bulb is globular with three processes; the spermathecal duct is slender, proceeding
through a sclerotized dilation (McDonald 1966). Weda parvula (Van Duzee) is similar to Amaurochrous
A B CD
E F GI H
JFIGURE 2.10 A, Podops inuncta, head, dorsal view; B, Weda stylata, head, dorsal view; C, Deroploopsis trispinosus,
pronotum, dorsal view; D, Brachycerocoris camelus, buccula, lateral view; E, Dybowskyia reticulata, pygophore, poste-
rior view; F, Graphosoma lineatum, pygophore, posterior view; G, Leprosoma inconspicuum, pygophore, posterior view;
H, Ventocoris trigonum, pygophore, posterior view; I, Podops inuncta, pronotum, dorsal view; J, Tornosia insularis, pro-
notum, dorsal view.