Tenthecoris orchidearum (Reuter)

(Fig. 48)

Eccritotarus orchidearum Reuter, 1902: 157 (orig. descrip.).

Tenthecoris orchidearum: Carvalho, 1951c: 296 (revised status, n. comb.).

Diagnosis. General color red with extensive metallic-blue areas. Head, pronotum, including collar, reddish. Eyes black. Clavus and corium metallic blue, with external area translucent red; embolium and cuneus pale red. Membrane fuscous inside areoles. Length 4.15–4.65 mm.

Hosts. Aclandiae sp. [ Orchidaceae], Cattleya labiata Lindl. Orchidaceae], and Laelia perrinii Bateman [ Orchidaceae] (Ferreira et al., 2001). Southwood and Leston (1959) noted that C. orchidearum and other species of the genus cause pale, discolored, often blistered areas on orchid leaves, especially cattleyas, and Wheeler (2001) noted that severely damaged plants may loose their leaves, fail to flower, and frequently are killed. Distribution. Brazil (Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina) (Carvalho, 1957; Ferreira et al., 2006). Records for North America are based on port interceptions from international commerce, not established populations.

Discussion. Lepage (1942) studied the biology of this species; Gaedike (1971) gave type information. Minas Gerais specimens examined. 2 ɗɗ, BH (Belo Horizonte), 10 Jan. 1933, E. J. Hambleton (UFVB).