44 Invasive Stink Bugs and Related Species (Pentatomoidea)
Only a few species of this family have had their biology studied; most of the available information is
limited to label data or other field observations (Schaefer and Ahmad 1987, Schaefer et al. 2000). All
species studied to date are exclusively phytophagous, feeding on both the reproductive and vegetative parts
of the host plant. The data indicate that polyphagy is widespread, but oligophagy in some species is
likely. Some species seem to show a preference for certain plant families (e.g., Coridius Illiger species
prefer plants of the family Cucurbitaceae and can be pests on melons and squash; Eumenotes species
are frequently found on Convolvulaceae). All species studied are univoltine and usually use more than
one host plant during their life cycles (Schaefer et al. 2000). Some species exhibit gregarious behavior
at certain times of the year, being found in large quantities together on their host plants. Dinidorids only
lay one or two clutches of eggs per female, each containing 14-28 eggs (Schaefer et al. 2000). At least
one species, Cyclopelta parva Distant, has been reported to exhibit parental care of the immature forms
(Hoffmann 1936).
Various species of dinidorids have been used for human consumption (Strickland 1932, Hoffmann
1947). For example, in the Sudan, gelatin has been extracted from Coridius viduatus (F.), which has been
used in making ice cream (Mariod and Fadul 2014). Dinidorids also are thought to have medicinal value,
especially in oriental regions. For example, C. chinensis (Dallas), once popular in China as an aphro-
disiac (Hoffman 1947), still it is in use as a traditional Chinese medicine; it is believed that it can regulate
breath and relieve pain (Zhang and You 2002, Yao 2006); Hoffmann (1947) stated that “this species is
very commonly used in China in an aphrodisiacal medicine and is on sale in Chinese medicine shops
throughout China. It is called ‘Chu Shan Chung’ or ‘Hai Tao Chung’ and was written about in 1590 by
Li Shih Chen and in 1890 by Fang Shui.” Coridius nepalensis (Westwood) is used similarly in India;
again Hoffmann (1947) stated “the natives of Assam are very fond of these bugs which they pound up
and mix with foods that are made of rice to improve the taste.” In Sudan, oils have been extracted from
C. viduatus, which were found to have anti-bacterial properties (Mustafa et al. 2008).
2.2.5.1 Key to the Subfamilies of Dinidoridae (modified from Schuh and Slater 1995)
1 Basal angles of scutellum without fovea; posterolateral angles of abdominal connexiva nei-
ther tuberculate nor lobed; Old World except one genus (Dinidor) in New World tropics
(Figures 2.16B, 2.25C) ........................................................................................Dinidorinae
1’ Basal angles of scutellum each with a fovea; posterolateral angles of abdominal connexiva
either tuberculate or lobed ..................................................................................................... 2
2(1) Abdominal spiracles arranged along a line; trichobothria paired; Old World (Figure 2.16D) .....
..........................................................................................................................Megymeninae
2’ Spiracles of abdominal segment II situated close to lateral margin, not in line with spiracles
of remaining segments (Figure 2.4E); trichobothria unpaired; Old World (Figure 2.16C) ...
......................................................................................Eumenotini (of uncertain placement)2.2.6 Lestoniidae China, 1955
This endemic Australian family contains a single genus (Lestonia China [Figure 2.25D]) and two spe-
cies (L. haustorifera China and L. grossi McDonald) (Table 2.2). This group originally was described
as a subfamily of the Plataspidae (China 1955) but subsequently was elevated to family status by China
and Miller (1959). Because of the enlarged scutellum, this family has been associated at one time or
another with the Plataspidae, Scutelleridae, or the pentatomid subfamily Aphylinae. Fischer (2000) pro-
posed a possible relationship with the Acanthosomatidae, based on the two-segmented tarsi, and the
supposed homology of the Pendergrast’s organs in the Acanthosomatidae with the pair of unusual, small,
disc-shaped organs located on the abdominal venter of female specimens of this family. A relationship
with the Aphylinae can be dismissed by the presence of a sclerotized rod in the female spermatheca of
the aphylines (lacking in the Lestoniidae). Studies by McDonald (1969a, 1970), Gross (1975b), Gapud