A re-description of Balaustium leanderi comb. nov. (Actinotrichida, Erythraeidae) with first report on characteristics of all active instars and taxonomic notes on the genus

Balaustium leanderi (Haitlinger, 2000) comb. nov. (Actinotrichida: Erythraeidae), previously known only from the larval stage is re-described based on material originating from a laboratory culture of specimens collected in Colombia. This is also the first report of Balaustium leanderi (Haitlinger, 2000) in this country. The taxonomic characters of adult (female), deutonymph and larva are provided. The species re-described in this paper, is one of 37 nominal species presently assigned to the genus. With Balaustium leanderi (Haitlinger, 2000) there are just 6 species known both from larvae and active postlarval forms. Palenqustium Haitlinger (2000) is considered a junior synonym of Balaustium, which is one of 12 genera recognized within the Balaustiinae. A modified diagnosis of Balaustium von Heyden, 1826 is provided. Balaustium leanderi (Haitlinger, 2000) comb. nov. (Actinotrichida: Erythraeidae), conocido previamente en estado de larva fue re-descrito con base en material procedente de una cria en laboratorio de especimenes colectados en Colombia. Este tambien es el primer reporte de Balaustium leanderi (Haitlinger, 2000) en este pais. Se describieron los caracteres taxonomicos de los adultos (hembras), deutoninfas y larvas. Esta es una de las 37 especies nominales actualmente asignadas al genero. Junto con Balaustium leanderi (Haitlinger, 2000) solo hay seis especies cuyas formas larvales y postlarvales activas son conocidas. Palenqustium Haitlinger (2000) se considera un sinonimo menor de Balaustium, lo que resulta en un numero verificado de 12 generos que en la actualidad se distinguen en Balaustiinae. Se proporciona un diagnostico modificado de Balaustium von Heyden, 1826. View this article in BioOne