Species Delimitation Methods Facilitate the Identification of Cryptic Species Within the Broadly Distributed Species in Homoeocerus (Tliponius) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coreidae)

Widespread species may exhibit considerable genetic variation among populations due to their extensive distribution ranges, and may even give rise to new species in remote areas. Integrative species delimitation via multiple types can provide a robust framework for accurate species identification and rapid discovery of cryptic diversity. The subgenus <i>Tliponius</i> (Hemiptera: Coreidae: <i>Homoeocerus</i>) has several species and three broadly distributed species across China. In this study, we selected as many geographical sample sites of widely distributed species as possible and conducted species identification based on integrated taxonomy of morphological, mitochondrial and SNP data for 28 individuals within <i>Tliponius.</i> Our results revealed a cryptic lineage previously subsumed under the polytypic <i>H. unipunctatus</i> in Yunnan Province and described as <i>Homoeocerus (Tliponius) dianensis</i> Liang, Li & Bu sp. nov. The presence of seven distinct species within <i>Tliponius</i> was supported by species delimitation and divided into two clades: (<i>H. dilatatus</i> + (<i>H. marginellus</i> + (<i>H. unipunctatus + H. dianensis</i> sp. nov.))) and (<i>H. yunnanensis</i> + (<i>H. laevilineus</i> + <i>H. marginiventris</i>). Based on our findings, extensive sampling of widespread species is highly important for the accuracy of species delimitation and the discovery of cryptic species.