A new South American species of Banasa Stal (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae): from egg to adult

Banasa maculata sp. nov. is described from a Brazilian Atlantic Forest, including immature stages and aspects of its life history. Adults and nymphs were reared in laboratory and fed on fruits of Miconia sellowiana (Melastomataceae). Eggs and first instars of B. maculata are similar to those of other species of Banasa; however, the color pattern of the abdomen distinguishes B. maculata, particularly first, fourth, and fifth instars. Light and dark morphs were observed for third, fourth, and fifth instars. Head-width measurements overlap only between fourth and fifth instars. Eggs of B. maculata, in S.E.M., show a reticulate pattern with deep cells and irregular rims. The most frequent size of an egg clutch was 12. Average duration of the immature stages (egg to adult) was 37.6 +/- 13.24 days. The highest mortality occurred in the fifth instar (45.9%). Banasa maculata belongs to the "cuspidata group" of Banasa because of the presence of an apical projection of each posterolateral angle of the pygophore. Adults of B. maculata resemble B. varians Stal; the new species is recognized by the transversal, irregular, broad macula on pronotum; gonocoxites 8 deeply excavated medially; and the male proctiger subtriangular, narrowing toward the apex.