Rhyparoclava pyrrhocoroides, a new genus and species of autapomorphic Rhyparochromidae with clavate antennae from Madagascar (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)

Abstract: A new genus and species, Rhyparoclava pyrrhocoroides gen. & sp. nov. from the Montagne de Français in northern Madagascar is described and illustrated, including structures of the external scent efferent system of the metathoracic scent glands, pregenital abdomen and its trichobothrial pattern, and the genitalia of both sexes. This autapomorphic taxon is brachypterous, anocellate, and has the most strongly clavate antennae known in Rhyparochromidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea). The systematic placement of Rhyparoclava pyrrhocoroides is discussed and the taxon is placed in the subfamily Rhyparochrominae, and tentatively in the tribe Rhyparochromini, though examination of a larva is needed to confirm the tribal placement in the future. All known specimens of Rhyparoclava pyrrhocoroides were collected by sifting of leaf litter and other plant residues in woody parts of the Montagne de Français Reserve, characterized by strictly seasonal, dry deciduous forest. A preliminary check-list of the Rhyparochromidae of Madagascar is compiled based on literature, including 32 genera and 62 species (57 described, 5 so far undescribed) belonging to 9 different tribes, of which two genera and 41 species (i.e. 66%) are endemic to Madagascar (including its off-shore islands).

Key words: Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Lygaeoidea, Rhyparochromidae, biodiversity, endemism, taxonomy, new genus, new species, systematic placement, check-list, Madagascar