Diagnosis and Specialized Morphology

Species of Phimophorinae are characterized by:

1. aradid-like body that is covered with waxy secretions
2. antennal segments thickened
3. bucculae present
4. 2nd labial segment much longer than segments 3 and 4 combined
5. largely membranous forewings
6. small 2-segmented tarsi
7. prosternum with shield-like structures near the stridulatory groove

Taxonomic History

Taxonomic history of the subfamily is being reviewed.

Natural History/Biology

This subfamily is comprised of two genera (three species): Mendanocoris Miller (Solomon Islands and Malaya) and Phimophorus Bergroth (Neotropics) [Usinger & Wygodzinsky 1964, Schuh & Slater 1995]. Nothing is currently known of Phimophorinae life history.

References

Schuh, R.T., Slater, J.A. 1995. True Bugs of the World (Hemiptera: Heteroptera): Classification and Natural History. Comstock Pub. Associates, Ithaca. 336 pp.

Usinger, R.L., Wygodzinsky, P. 1964. Description of a new species of Mandanocoris Miller, with notes on the systematic position of the genus (Reduviidae, Hemiptera, Insect). Am. Mus. Novit. 2204: 13 pp.