Paralygocoris meridionalis (Lu & Zheng, 2004 ), 2024

Paralygocoris meridionalis (Lu & Zheng, 2004) , new combination

( Figs. 12 View Fig K−L, 17F–H, 31H−O)

Neolygus meridionalis Lu & Zheng View in CoL , in Zheng et al., 2004: 421 (748 in English), fig. 141, pl. 6.

Material examined. MALAYSIA: 1 female, Pahang, Fraser’s Hill , 3°43′N 101°44′E, S. Gotoh, 29 April 1986 ( TYCN) GoogleMaps ; 1 female, Perak, Taiping, Bukit Larut ( Maxwell Hill ), 4°51′45″N, 100°48′00″E, 1,100 m alt., mercury light trap, T GoogleMaps . Yasunaga , 14 July 1989 ( TYCN) . THAILAND: 2 females, Chiang Mai, Doi Pui , 18°50′N, 98°53′E, UV GoogleMaps lighting, 15 May 2001, S. Sakurai ( TYCN) .

Diagnosis. This species is recognised readily by its moderate size and unique colour pattern on the dorsum, as mentioned in the key. Further external characters including the male genitalia, along with a habitus image, were provided by Zheng et al. (2004). The female genitalia are described for the first time.

Description. Female genitalia ( Figs. 17F–H View Fig , 31 View Fig L−O): Sclerotised rings narrow, ovoid, relatively contiguous to each other mesally ( Figs. 17F View Fig , 31N View Fig ); posterior wall rather with rather wide dorsal structure and interramal lobes ( Fig. 31L View Fig ); anterior part of interramal sclerite with a field of minute processes; dorsal structure with uniformly distributed spinules ( Fig. 31M View Fig ).

Measurements. See Table 1.

Remarks. Although this taxon was described as a member of Neolygus , the dorsal colour pattern, surface structures and form of the male and female genitalia suggest its best placement lies in Paralygocoris , new genus. This mirid is now known from S. China (Yunnan), Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. Its thermophilic habitat preference in tropical and subtropical zones also implies that it is not a genuine member of Neolygus .