Paralygocoris meridionalis Yasunaga 2024, new combination

Paralygocoris meridionalis (Lu & Zheng, 2004), new combination (Figs. 12 K−L, 17F–H, 31H−O) Neolygus meridionalis Lu & Zheng, in Zheng et al., 2004: 421 (748 in English), fig. 141, pl. 6. Material examined. MALAYSIA: 1 female, Pahang, Fraser’s Hill, 3°43′N 101°44′E, S. Gotoh, 29 April 1986 (TYCN); 1 female, Perak, Taiping, Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), 4°51′45″N, 100°48′00″E, 1,100 m alt., mercury light trap, T. Yasunaga, 14 July 1989 (TYCN). THAILAND: 2 females, Chiang Mai, Doi Pui, 18°50′N, 98°53′E, UV lighting, 15 May 2001, S. Sakurai (TYCN). Diagnosis. This species is recognised readily by its moderate size and unique colour pattern on the dorsum, as mentioned in the key. Further external characters including the male genitalia, along with a habitus image, were provided by Zheng et al. (2004). The female genitalia are described for the first time. Description. Female genitalia (Figs. 17F–H, 31 L−O): Sclerotised rings narrow, ovoid, relatively contiguous to each other mesally (Figs. 17F, 31N); posterior wall rather with rather wide dorsal structure and interramal lobes (Fig. 31L); anterior part of interramal sclerite with a field of minute processes; dorsal structure with uniformly distributed spinules (Fig. 31M). Measurements. See Table 1. Remarks. Although this taxon was described as a member of Neolygus, the dorsal colour pattern, surface structures and form of the male and female genitalia suggest its best placement lies in Paralygocoris, new genus. This mirid is now known from S. China (Yunnan), Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. Its thermophilic habitat preference in tropical and subtropical zones also implies that it is not a genuine member of Neolygus.