Contributions to the Morphology and Phylogeny of the Reduvioidea (Hemiptera: Heteroptera). Part III. The Male and Female Genitalia1

Abstract

The need for reassessment of the subfamily classification is noted. To provide a terminology and basis for evaluation of the genital characters, the morphology of the genitalia of representatives of most subfamilies has been studied. The abdomen is characterized by the fusion of the pregenital segments, development of connexiva, and the dorsal position of the first spiracles. In some, greater expansion of the abdomen is made possible by connexival membranes. In repose the first valvulae and styloids of the female form the ventral tip of the abdomen; the second valvulae are concealed and the second valvifer is reduced to a rodlike sclerite. The position of the eighth spiracle and modification of the eighth tergum in the female varies with subfamilies and may be useful in showing relationships. In the male the connexivum extends across the end of the abdomen through the seventh segment. The eighth segment is reduced to a small ventral sclerite and the ninth segment (genital capsule) is, at rest, drawn into the seventh segment so that it is largely concealed from above. The phallus is characterized by a pedicle enclosing part of the ejaculatory duct, by struts, and by its differentiation into phallotheca and phallobase. The phallus in some but not all subfamilies has useful systematic characters. The various genital characteristics indicate a very close relationship between the Reduviidae and Pachynomidae, and the Thaumastocoridae also appear to be related. These characteristics do not show a close relationship of the reduviids to the Joppeicidae and Tingidae.