First report of Phymatinae and Holoptilinae from the Middle East, with a description of a new species of Putoniola Bergroth (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Holoptilinae) from Israel

Abstract

This study presents the first record and a comprehensive review of the Reduviidae subfamilies Phymatinae and Holoptilinae in Israel. The paper provides updated diagnoses, detailed genitalia illustrations and a revised identification key for species of the genus Putoniola Bergroth, 1898 (Holoptilinae), along with description of a new species, Putoniola asvadurovi sp. n. The findings of Phymata (Phymata) monstrosa (Fabricius, 1794) (Phymatinae) in Israel confirm an old Middle Eastern record of the species from ‘Syria’ and considerably extend its previous West Mediterranean distribution. Information on distribution of both species and their biology and host plant associations is provided. Molecular phylogenetic analyses employing COI and 16S mitochondrial genes confirm the broad “Phymatine complex” and successfully integrate the new Putoniola species. We contribute to addressing a critical gap in knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships of tribes within the subfamilies Holoptilinae and Phymatinae, which are not yet fully understood and require further investigation. This is the first mo­lecular study to include Phymata (P.) monstrosa (Phymatinae) and to add Putoniola asvadurovi sp. n. (Holoptilinae), both originating from the Palaearctic Region.

To cite: Novoselska, T. & Feldstein-Farkash, T. 2025. First report of Phymatinae and Holoptilinae from the Middle East, with a description of a new species of Putoniola Bergroth (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Holoptilinae) from Israel. Israel Journal of Entomology 54: 45–94.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17464510
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:403CB1C6-B6D0-4248-BC4B-65FB1EAD5F1E