Rotundedessa gen. n., a New Edessinae Genus with the Description of Two New Species from Argentina (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Abstract

The Edessinae is a Neotropical subfamily of Pentatomidae comprising hundreds of species in 20 genera. The nominal genus Edessa Fabricius, 1803 includes most of this diversity with approximately 350 nominal species, and can be considered a "depot taxon." Studying small groups of morphologically similar species is an efficient approach to deal with the taxonomic diversity in Edessa and has led to the description of several new genera. The viridula group comprises five species and is characterized by short metasternal processes, wrinkled ventrolateral areas, and pygophore with several unique features. Following the current standards in the taxonomy of Edessinae, we consider these characteristics distinctive enough to propose a new genus to the species included in the viridula group. The new genus is herein described and new combinations for the five species formerly placed in the viridula group are proposed. Additionally, two new species from Argentina are described, and a key to the species of the new genus is given.