Invasive Stink Bugs and Related Species (Pentatomoidea)

Higher Systematics of the Pentatomoidea 131

1990), Poecilocoris Dallas (Ahmad and Kamaluddin 1982), Polytes Stål (Eger 1990, 1992, 1994, 2015),
Promecocoris Puton (Gapon 2007), Sphyrocoris Mayr (Eger 2012), and Tiridates Stål (Eger 1987).
All scutellerid species are considered to be phytophagous, and most are considered to be generalists
(Eger et al. 2015a). Host plant preference or even specialization may occur (Javahery et al. 2000). Plant
species within the families Euphorbiaceae (e.g., Pachycoris Burmeister spp.), Cyperaceae, Malvaceae,
Myrtaceae, and Poaceae (e.g., Eurygaster spp.) are among the preferred hosts (Barcellos et al. 2015).
Facultative feeding on non-plant material (e.g., dung and carrion) has been reported (Tsai et al. 2011,
Eger et al. 2015a). Most species are not considered to be pests. Species of the genus Eurygaster are
exceptions and, collectively, are called Sunn pests. They cause considerable damage to wheat primar-
ily in the Middle East and Central Asia. Additionally, species in the genera Calidea and Tectocoris
(Figure 2.26E) are minor pests of cotton in Africa and Australia, respectively. Javahery et al. (2000)
reviewed the biology of some of the economically important species.
Scutellerid development and their life cycles are similar to species in the Pentatomidae (reviewed in
Javahery et al. 2000, Cassis and Vanags 2006, Tsai et al. 2011, Eger et al. 2015a). Barrel-shaped eggs are
deposited in or near the host plants, and, after hatching, the first instar nymphs do not feed. Nymphal
aggregations occur in some species and may last until late instars; large aggregations also may include
adults (Cassis and Vanags 2006). Feeding usually occurs in vegetative or reproductive parts of the plant
(Javahery et al. 2000). Some adults communicate by stridulation. Mating takes place after the male
approaches the female, contacting her with his antennae. The male first mounts the female, then turns
around such that mating takes place end-to-end (Tsai et al. 2011). Maternal care has been reported in spe-
cies of four genera from three different subfamilies: Augocoris and Cantao (Scutellerinae), Pachycoris
(Pachycorinae), and Tectocoris (Tectocorinae) (Cassis and Vanags 2006, Tsai et al. 2011, Eger et al. 2015a).

2.2.15.1 Key to the Subfamilies of Scutelleridae (modified from McDonald
and Cassis 1984, Schuh and Slater 1995, Tsai et al. 2011)
1 Pro-, meso- and metasterna strongly sulcate (Figure 2.11B); sulcus with strongly elevated
sides; abdominal venter never with paired striated areas; large brown, reddish brown, or
grey species; Old World (Figure 2.26A) ...............................................................Elvisurinae

A B C D

E F G

FIGURE 2.11 A, Coptosoma sp., head, dorsal view; B, Solenosthedium rubropunctatum, thorax, ventral view;
C, Pachycoris torridus, abdomen, ventral view; D, Pachycoris torridus, detail of abdominal segments III–VIII, ventral view;
E, Thyreocoris scarabaeoides, hind wing; F, Galgupha sp., hind wing; G, Galgupha sp., detail of hind wing jugal lobe.