Negro Bugs (Thyreocoridae)

Abstract

The Thyreocoridae, usually known as “negro bugs,” includes 212 species in 12 genera distributed in two subfamilies Thyreocorinae (seven species in three genera) which are not represented in the neotropics and Corimelaeninae (205 species in nine genera) with a worldwide distribution. Relatively small and dark colored, often shiny, this is a poorly studied family within Pentatomoidea and its relationships still being debated. They are exclusively herbivorous, and, at least, 23 Mexican and Neotropical species have some record of associated plant. Besides that, in the literature, there is no information about damage caused by these bugs. Immature stages are known only for eight species occurring in Mexico and Neotropical region, including descriptions of eggs and/or nymphs and/or life history. The only known key for the Neotropical representatives of the family is that found in McAtee and Malloch (Ann Carnegie Mus 21:191–411, 1933).