New record of Sphictyrtus intermedius Stal (Hemiptera: Coreidae) in Boquete, Chiriquí, Panama

Abstract

Bugs (Hemiptera) are a diverse group of insects both in species and in eating habits, which is why it is important to identify them in the ecosystem, to determine whether or not they represent a potential problem as pests. The aim of this study was to identify the bug species found in large numbers in vegetation surrounding housing projects in Alto Boquete, Chiriquí, Panama. For this, a photographic record of the bug and associated plants was made and samples were collected for later analysis in the Laboratory; also consulting the reference collection of the G. B. Fairchild Museum of Invertebrates and the Center for Pharmacognostic Research of the Panamanian Flora – Universidad de Panamá. According to the results, the bug species corresponds to Sphictyrtus intermedius Stal (Hemiptera: Coreidae); of which in the reference collection consulted there are specimens collected in other provinces of the country such as Panamá, Colón, Coclé, Veraguas, Herrera and there is a report from Panamá Oeste. This insect has been reported in other latitudes as a pest of cotton, dragon fruit and soursop. Regarding the associated vegetation, it was possible to identify the species Miconia xalapensis (Bonpl.) M. Gómez (Myrtales: Melastomataceae), widely distributed in Panama. In conclusion, the bug species observed in the vicinity of housing projects in Alto Boquete is Sphictyrtus intermedius, which represents, as far as it could be determined, a new report of the species for the province of Chiriquí. In addition, M. xalapensis is recorded as an associated plant species.