Leptocoris
Encyclopedia
Leptocoris is the largest genus of the soapberry bug
subfamily. The 41 species of this genus are distributed throughout Africa, South Asia, and Oceania and are thought to have originated in Africa, where the greatest diversity of Leptocoris species are found. Members of this genus are large-bodied and have short, wide pronota; they are similar in appearance to the New World genus Jadera
(of which there is no range overlap). Leptocoris species can be easily distinguished from the small, slender Boisea
(of which there is substantial range overlap). The Australian Leptocoris tagalicus has been studied for its ability to rapidly adapt to invasive hosts (e.g. balloon vine
) and is seen as a possible means of biocontrol for environmental weeds. The southeast Asian species Leptocoris vicinus is common in urban settings, although it is frequently misidentified as Leptocoris augur.
Serinethinae
Serinethinae is a subfamily of the hemipteran family Rhopalidae, sometimes known as soapberry bugs. They are brightly colored seed-eaters, comprising three genera and about sixty-five species. These bugs are specialists on plants in the soapberry family , which includes maples, balloon vines, and...
subfamily. The 41 species of this genus are distributed throughout Africa, South Asia, and Oceania and are thought to have originated in Africa, where the greatest diversity of Leptocoris species are found. Members of this genus are large-bodied and have short, wide pronota; they are similar in appearance to the New World genus Jadera
Jadera
Jadera is a genus of true bugs in the soapberry bug subfamily. Members of this genus are only found in the Americas .-External links:* on the UF / IFAS Featured Creatures Web site...
(of which there is no range overlap). Leptocoris species can be easily distinguished from the small, slender Boisea
Boisea
Boisea is the least speciose genus of the soapberry bug subfamily. Members of this genus are found in North America, India, and Africa. Unlike other serinethine genera, the distribution of Boisea is very patchy; it is speculated that its highly vicariant range is relictual of what was previously...
(of which there is substantial range overlap). The Australian Leptocoris tagalicus has been studied for its ability to rapidly adapt to invasive hosts (e.g. balloon vine
Cardiospermum
Cardiospermum is a genus of approximately 14 species in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, which are native to the American, Indian, and African tropics...
) and is seen as a possible means of biocontrol for environmental weeds. The southeast Asian species Leptocoris vicinus is common in urban settings, although it is frequently misidentified as Leptocoris augur.