Description of a new species of Anthocoris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) from southern India, associated with striped mealybug on purple orchid tree
Yamada Kazutaka, Ballal Chandish R., Gupta Tripti, Poorani Janakiraman
Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 50(2): 415-424, 2010
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Abstract: Anthocoris muraleedharani Yamada, sp. nov. is described from Karnataka State,
southern India, and is distinguished from its allies, A. dividens Bu &
Zheng, 2001 and A. miyamotoi Hiura, 1959, by the coloration of hemelytra and
legs and structure of male genitalia. Anthocoris muraleedharani Yamada, sp. nov.
feeds on striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell, 1893) (Coccomorpha:
Pseudococcidae), which attacks purple orchid tree, Bauhinia purpurea Linnaeus
(Fabaceae). Biology of the new bug is briefly discussed. A key to the Indian
species of Anthocoris Fallén, 1814 is also given.
Key words: Heteroptera, Anthocoridae, Anthocoris, new species, Ferrisia virgata, Bauhinia purpurea, predator, biological control, India