Aenictopecheidae
The Aenictopecheidae are a family of bugs ( Heteroptera) in the partial order Enicocephalomorpha. It is inconspicuous, rarely observed bugs. In some species plesiomorphic features are formed that occur neither in the partial order Enicocephalomorpha, nor for the other bugs. The family is originally and less developed than the sister family Enicocephalidae. There are about 20 described species in 10 genera, with many more species await their description.
Features
The animals are 3 to 10 millimeters long. Like the close relatives of the Enicocephalidae are most types colored little lively. The posterior lobe of the pronotum is often shortened and weak. He is not limited by an indented edge. The wing vein Rs of fore wing is divided in the subfamily Maoristolinae. The interruption of the Costa loader is short. The pygophore, posterolateral extension of the ninth abdominal segment of the male is never divided into Tergum, Laterotergite and sternum. The phallus corresponds to the typical blueprint of bugs, is ausstülpbar or not and has movable paramere. The ovipositor is fully developed normally. The nymphs have normally developed wing buds, the center does not abut.
Occurrence
The family occurs worldwide, but the focus of their distribution has in the southern hemisphere. The genus is Boreostolus boreal - amphipazifisch spread ( both the Asian as well as on the American coast of the Pacific).
Way of life
Little is known about the life of Aenictopecheidae. Representatives of the genus Gamostolus were observed in swarms and found under rocks and in woods in leaf litter. Species of the genus Australostolus can be lured into semi-desert by artificial light sources. The species of the genus Boreostolus live under big stones on substrate composed of gravel and sand along rivers, like the representatives of the genus Cryptostemma the Dipsocoridae family. The representatives of the subfamily Maoristolinae live in leaf litter, under bark and in moss. As far as known, of the subfamily Nymphocorinae live in soil, leaf litter and tussocks and can be caught by Berlesetrichter and floor traps.
Taxonomy and systematics
In the current view, the family is defined by its plesiomorphies. Nevertheless, does not the subfamilies apomorphies with the family Enicocephalidae. The following subtaxa are currently recognized:
- Subfamily Nymphocorinae Genus Nymphocoris (New Zealand, Tasmania )
- Genus Murphyanella (Singapore )
- Genus Timahocoris (Singapore )
- Genus Maoristolus (New Zealand)
- Tribus Gamostolini Genus Boreostolus ( Palearctic, New World)
- Genus Gamostolus ( Neotropics )
- Genus Australostolus (Australia)
- Genus Tornocrusus (New World)
- Genus Aenictopechys ( orientalis)
- Genus Lomagostus ( Madagascar )