Lineostethus
Ruckes, 1966
Species Guides
2Lineostethus is a of stink bugs in the Pentatomidae, tribe Discocephalini, established by Ruckes in 1966. The genus is distinguished by having a discoid (disc-shaped) , a characteristic shared with other discocephaline genera. As of 2018, the genus comprises eight described distributed primarily in Central America and southern North America. A 2018 taxonomic revision updated the generic description, described four new species, and provided identification keys and distribution maps.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lineostethus: //ˌlɪniːoʊˈstiːθəs//
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Identification
Members of Lineostethus can be recognized by their discoid shape, a diagnostic feature of discocephaline stink bugs. The 2018 revision provides updated generic descriptions and identification keys to distinguish . Males of L. marginellus show important variations in genital , which is relevant for species-level identification.
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Distribution
Primarily restricted to Central America, with records extending into southern North America. Documented localities include Rica (Guanacaste) and Mexico (Oaxaca, Michoacán, Yucatán).
Similar Taxa
- Other Discocephalini generaShare the discoid characteristic; Lineostethus is distinguished by specific combinations of morphological features detailed in the 2018 revision
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Taxonomic History
The was last reviewed in the 1980s with a focus on genital . The 2018 revision by Kochenborger & Garbelotto provided the first comprehensive update in approximately 30 years, including the first descriptions of males for L. marginellus.
Species List
Eight : L. acuminatus ( Rica), L. auritus (Mexico, Oaxaca), L. clypeatus, L. graziae, L. marginellus, L. otarus (Mexico, Michoacán), L. sinuosus (Mexico, Yucatán), L. tenebricornis. Four species were described as new in 2018.