Pachycorinae
Genus Guides
10- Acantholomidea(shield-backed bugs)
- Camirus
- Diolcus
- Homaemus(shield-backed bugs)
- Orsilochides
- Pachycoris
- Sphyrocoris
- Stethaulax
- Symphylus
Pachycorinae is a of Scutelleridae (jewel bugs) comprising 27 and approximately 125 , predominantly distributed in the Neotropical region. The subfamily is distinguished by the presence of stridulatory structures: an abdominal sternal stridulitrum located primarily on sternites V-VI, paired with a tibial plectrum on the hind tibiae. These sound-producing structures are present in immatures, males, and females, and exhibit morphological variation that carries taxonomic significance. Two main stridulitrum patterns occur: smooth carinae (24 genera) and coarse carinae with small teeth (3 genera); tibial plectra show either rounded or flat tubercles.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pachycorinae: /ˈpækɪkɔːˌraɪniː/
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Identification
Presence of abdominal sternal stridulitrum on sternites V-VI, associated with plectrum on hind tibiae; stridulitrum with either smooth carinae or coarse carinae bearing small teeth; tibial plectrum with either rounded (conspicuous or inconspicuous) or flat tubercles. Scutellar shield enlarged, covering and wings.
Images
Distribution
Neotropical region; New World
Life Cycle
Stridulatory structures present in immatures, males, and females, indicating structures are functional throughout development.
Behavior
Sound production (stridulation) via abdominal sternal stridulitrum rubbed against tibial plectrum; structures present in all life stages and sexes.
Similar Taxa
- HoteinaeAlso possesses stridulatory structures, previously used to distinguish Pachycorinae
- Odontotarsinae (two genera)Also possesses stridulatory structures, previously used to distinguish Pachycorinae
Misconceptions
Stridulatory structures were historically considered diagnostic for Pachycorinae within Scutelleridae, but their presence in Hoteinae and two of Odontotarsinae invalidates this usage.