Vol. 32, pp. 97-104 May 20, 1919 



PROCEEDINGS 



UF THE 



BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON 



THE GENERA CORYTHAICA STAL AND DOLICHO- 



CYSTA CHAMPION. 

 (TINGIDAE: HETEROPTERA.) 



BY EDMUND H. GIBSON. 



Much confusion has existed in the identity and relationship 

 of the various species of the two Tingid genera Corythaica and 

 Dolichocysta. This state of affairs was probably based upon the 

 fact that until recently the known forms of Corythaica were 

 macropterous and those of Dolichocysta were brachypterous. 

 The writer has examined both long- and short-winged forms of 

 nearly every species of the two genera and is thus able to un- 

 tangle some of the systematic puzzles of this group. 



The two genera are very closely related, but in general may 

 be separated by the facts that Dolichocysta is a more compact 

 form and has a distinct bulbous elevation on the elytra. Cory- 

 thaica has a certain degree of delicacy lacking in Dolichocysta 

 and is without the distinct bulbous elevation altho a swelling 

 may sometimes be noticeable and also an acute enlargement of 

 the carina separating the subcostal and discoidal areas may be 

 present. 



This paper is largely based upon specimens in the U. S. 

 National Museum. In it are described two new species of 

 Dolichocysta and one of Corythaica. One species, Corythaica 

 monacha Stal, is of considerable economic importance, being 

 a decided enemy to eggplants in the West Indies. It is expected 

 that as general collecting increases, especially in Central and 

 South America, many new species will be discovered, but as 

 our study is to-day this paper brings our knowledge up to date. 



The detailed shape of the pronotal hood and carinae and their 



17— Pboc. Biol. Soc. Wash., Vol. 32, 1919. (97) 



