First record of silk-loving genus Monteithophila (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Plokiophilidae) from Asia, with description of a new species from China
Abstract
The silk-loving bug Monteithophila hainanensis sp. nov . (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Plokiophilidae) is described from Hainan, southern China, where it was found on the webs of Spinathele sp. (Araneae, Macrothelidae). This new species represents the first record of the genus Monteithophila Schuh, Štys & Cassis, 2015 outside Oceania. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by its smaller body size, head uniformly colored yellowish brown to reddish brown, fore major claws slightly longer than mid ones with no significant difference, and distinct morphology of corial glands on the hemelytra. A key to the species of Monteithophila is presented. In addition, the ecological characteristics of the new species and the morphology of the genitalia are briefly discussed.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Hemiptera Insect Studies
Orthoptera Research and Taxonomy
Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ZooKeys
- Volume
- 1268
- Pages
- 33–45
- Publication date
- 2 February 2026
- Language
- EN