| The Nearctic species of the pentatomid genera Apateticus Dallas and Podisus Herrich-Schaeffer were revised taxonomically. Approximately 8500 Nearctic specimens plus 500 extralimital examples were examined. Five species of Apateticus and 9 of Podisus, including 1 incidental Nearctic species, are redescribed. Important characters for species discrimination include shape of the male claspers, length of the ventral abdominal spine, and characteristics of the pronotum. Female genitalic characters are not reliable for species-level distinctions within each genus. Re-evaluation of previously used characters and additional male and female genitalic traits support the idea that these genera should remain separate. A cladistic analysis was performed on the species of each genus.;The following synonymies are suggested (junior synonym first): A. crocatus (Uhler) = A. bracteatus (Fitch), P. pallens (Stal) = P. maculiventris (Say) (reaffirmed), P. modestus (Dallas) = P. maculiventris (Say), and P. rubromaculatus Distant = P. acutissimus Stal.;Apateticus and podisus prey on a wide variety of insects, notably larval Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Coleoptera. Podisus maculiventris is being investigated as a biological control agent of lepidopterous pests of soybean in the United States and has been introduced into Europe and Asia with varying success. Lists of known prey are presented and major biological literature for each species is reviewed.;One new species, Podisus brevispinus, is described. The latter, heretofore known as P. modestus (Dallas), has long been associated with a type specimen which is a synonym of P. maculiventris (Say). Examination of Rhaphigaster aggressor Walker, listed as synonymous with P. modestus, showed the former to be a Neotropical Podisus. |
