Edessinae

Genus Guides

Ascra

Edessinae is a of shield bugs (Pentatomidae) comprising approximately 10 and over 200 , primarily distributed in the Neotropical region. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological features of the male and female genitalia, including modified pygophores, gonocoxites, and internal reproductive structures. Recent taxonomic revisions have elevated several former subgenera of Edessa (Hypoxys, Pygoda) to genus level and established new genera including Grammedessa, Plagaedessa, Paraedessa, Odara, and Apheledessa. Species identification relies heavily on genitalic due to frequent convergence in external body form.

Ascra bifida by no rights reserved. Used under a CC0 license.

Ascra bifida by (c) Masked Lynx, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Masked Lynx. Used under a CC-BY license.

Stink Bug - Ascra bifida, Rippon Lodge, Woodbridge, Virginia, March 17, 2023 (53161905803) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Edessinae: /ɛˈdɛsɪnaɪ/

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Identification

Edessinae can be distinguished from other Pentatomidae by the following combination of characters: metasternal process with bifurcation (branches narrow, long, with acute apices in many ); abdominal placed laterally, not aligned with ; male pygophore often large relative to body size with various modifications including excavated rim, blade-like processes, or lateral expansions; female gonocoxites 8 and laterotergites 8 typically punctured; and internal genitalia with distinctive configurations of the capsula seminalis, ductus receptaculi, and gonapophyses. Humeral angles are frequently laterally projected and slightly dorsoventrally flattened.

Images

Distribution

Neotropical region, ranging from Mexico and Central America through South America to northern Argentina and the Atlantic coast of Brazil. Specific distribution records extend to Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Puerto Rico.

Similar Taxa

AsopinaeBoth are of Pentatomidae, but Asopinae are predatory with forelegs and lack the characteristic genitalic modifications of Edessinae; Edessinae lack the predatory adaptations of Asopinae.
PentatominaeLargest and most diverse of Pentatomidae, but typically has abdominal aligned with and lacks the specialized metasternal process and genitalic structures diagnostic of Edessinae.