Oebalus spp. and Arvelius albopunctatus (De Geer) 457
Oebalus insularis Stål and O. ypsilongriseus recently have been discovered in the United States from
rice fields in Florida (Cherry et al. 1998, Cherry and Nuessly 2010). Both are noted pests of rice in South
and Central America. Although they have increased in numbers in Florida, they essentially have not
expanded their ranges beyond the state. Therefore, they do not easily fit our definition of an “invasive
species” but certainly have the potential to become invasive.
9.3 Key to Species of Oebalus in America North of Mexico^2
- Antennal segment 2 about 0.5 X length of 1 (Figure 9.2) ..............................O. ypsilongriseus
1’. Antennal segment 2 about 1.2 X length of 1 (Figure 9.3) ........................................................ 2 - Humeri with well developed spines directed anterolaterally; scutellum yellowish, including
apex (Figure 9.1C) .....................................................................................................O. pugnax
2’. Humeri acute or extended as short spines laterally; scutellum reddish brown, apex yellowish,
lateral margins, including basal angles, with yellowish calloused areas in basal ½, these areas
often approximate distally, forming U-shaped pattern (Figure 9.1D) .....................O. insularis
(^2) See Sailer (1944) for full descriptions of species.
FIGURE 9.3 Antenna of Oebalus insularis. (Courtesy of J. E. Eger).
FIGURE 9.2 Antenna of Oebalus ypsilongriseus. (Courtesy of J. E. Eger).