Species problems and species groups in the genusPiezodorusFieber (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The species of Piezodorus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are not always easily separated on the usual characters of sternal spine, antennal ratio, etc. Here we compare them on the basis of aedeagus, spermatheca, and male sternal glands. We confirm that hybneri and guildinii are very close, but show that length of vesica sets Australian hybneri apart from Asiatic hybneri. The male sternites uniquely in species of this hybneri complex have dimorphic pheromone glands. Similarities of aedeagus and spermatheca unite punctiventris, teretipes, and sindellus. Sindellus is very close to, probably conspecific with, teretipes. P. lituratus is allied to punctipes and probably to inexpertus. The position of P. pallescens and that of P. purus is less clear cut. P. hessei Leston has been erroneously placed in the genus Piezodorus and should be transferred to the genus Pausias. Although it is desirable to characterize the aedeagus in the inflated condition it is an aid to complete description to examine the vesica in uninflated material.