A new species of Carvalhomiris from Colombia with an assessment of its phylogenetic position (Heteroptera, Miridae, Orthotylinae)

Abstract

Plant bugs, species of Miridae (Heteroptera), are not well known in the Neotropics, and Colombia is not an exception. Based on data from the available systematic catalog (Schuh 2002–2013) fewer than 150 species are recorded from the country, clearly an underestimation. Recent fieldwork has resulted in several new interesting taxa from Colombia. Carvalhomiris Maldonado & Ferreira, 1971, contains three described species from Colombia and Ecuador. From specimens collected in Jardín, Antioquia, Carvalhomiris henryi sp. n. is described. Images of the dorsal habitus and the male and female genitalia are provided. Based on morphological examination of the new species and published information, morphological characters were coded to construct a phylogenetic matrix for a cladistic analysis in which the phylogenetic position of the new species is assessed. Carvalhomiris henryi sp. n. is the northernmost species of the genus and noteworthy because it is the first record of any species of the genus in the Western Cordillera: all other species are known from the eastern flank of the Andes (Ecuador) or the Eastern Cordillera (Colombia). Natural history observations of the new species, including associations with composites (Asteraceae) are provided. It is speculated that the mirid might be predacious.