THE BIOLOGY, DISTRIBUTION AND TAXONOMY OF SOME LYGAEIDAE OF SOUTHWEST AUSTRALIA (HEMIPTERA: HETEROPTERA)*

Abstract

Biological, ecological and distributional data are presented for 25 species of southwest Australian Lygaeidae. Numerous host plant associations are discussed. These species are segregated in 19 genera and 6 subfamilies. Attention is drawn to the association of terrestrial litter‐inhabiting assemblages with particular soil types, particularly white sand areas. The position of the 7th abdominal spiracle in Lepionysius Ashlock, previously used for tribal position, is shown to be variable. A seasonal differential between 2 species of Cyminae occurring on the same host is discussed. The first description is given of the macropter of Darwinocoris australicus Slater. A key is presented to the southwest Australian species of Udeocoris Bergroth, and a discussion of the significance of wing polymorphism in species of the genus. Geographic variation in Coleocoris ocellatus Gross is treated, with a discussion of the adaptive value of the “coleopteroid” wing for insects living in xeric habitats. Copyright © 1976, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved