The Higher Classification of the Belostomatidae (Hemiptera)

Abstract

The seven genera recognized in the Belostomatidae pertain to three new subfamilies: LETHOCERINAE, with the one genus Lethocerus; HORVATHINIINAE, with the single genus Horvathinia; and BELOSTOMATINAE, with the five genera Limnogeton, Hydrocyrius (=Poissonia, =Diplonychus auctt. nec Laporte), Diplonychus (=Sphaerodema), Belostoma, and Abedus. Only Lethocerus occurs in both hemispheres; Abedus, Belostoma, and Horvathinia are American, while Lmnogeton, Hydrocyrius, and Diplonychus are Old-World genera. The phallus is reviewed for the first time as a character important for the separation of the genera, whose nomenclature and synonymies are outlined and discussed. The taxonomy, phylogeny, zoogeography, and paleontology of the subfamilies and genera are treated, and keys are provided for generic identification.