Morphological redescription of adult Diplonychus molestus Dufour (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae) from Penang, Malaysia
Diplonychus molestus (Dufour 1863), (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae), has shown potential as a biological control agent in aquatic environments including paddy fields. However, the taxonomic history of this species has been marked by confusion, particularly due to its close resemblance to Diplonychus rus...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
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Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2025
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26559/1/serangga_3.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26559/ https://ejournal.ukm.my/serangga/article/view/77678 |
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| Summary: | Diplonychus molestus (Dufour 1863), (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae), has shown potential as a biological control agent in aquatic environments including paddy fields. However, the taxonomic history of this species has been marked by confusion, particularly due to its close resemblance to Diplonychus rusticus (Fabricius 1871). Thus, this study aimed to redescribe the species based on the key morphological characteristics. Using bucket light traps, specimens were collected from paddy fields in Pekan Darat, Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia. The collected adults were preserved and identified using established taxonomic keys. Detailed morphological examinations were conducted, focusing on key characteristics that distinguish D. molestus from other closely related species. High-resolution images were captured to support the redescription, addressing previous taxonomic ambiguities. |
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