Systematics, biogeography and host plant associations of the lace bug genus Lasiacantha Stål in Australia (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae)

Abstract

The Australian species of the lace bug genus Lasiacantha Stål are revised. The previously described species L. discordis Drake, 1955 and L. leai (Hacker, 1928) are redescribed. Tingis aemula Drake is transferred to Lasiacantha. Sixteen species are described as new to science: L. aureolus sp. nov., L. darwini sp. nov., L. dysmikos sp. nov., L. ephemera sp. nov., L. eremophila sp. nov., L. gingera sp. nov., L. graminicola sp. nov., L. inaquosa sp. nov., L. kosciuszko sp. nov., L. luritja sp. nov., L. nipha sp. nov., L. pilbara sp. nov., L. quilpie sp. nov., L. serraseta sp. nov., L. vittata sp. nov. and L. windorah sp. nov. Lasiacantha compta Drake is posited as incerte sedis. A key to species, phylogenetic analysis, and discussion of biogeography and host plant associations are provided.