 |
| Microvelia amphitrite Matsushima & Watanabe, in Matsushima, Hisasue et Watanabe. 2026 |
Abstract
Microvelia (Pacificovelia) amphitrite new species is described from the Japanese Ogasawara Islands. In addition, some specimens identified as M. douglasi Scott, 1874 and previously reported by different authors from the Ogasawara Islands were examined and recognized as misidentifications actually belonging to M. yoshitomii Watanabe, 2023 and the new species herein described. These results indicate that M. douglasi is not distributed in the Ogasawara Islands. In addition, M. yoshitomii is herein reported for the first time from nine islands in the archipelago. An illustrated key to Ogasawaran Microveliinae species is provided. Field surveys revealed that two species of Microvelia in the Ogasawara Islands prey on arthropods across several taxa, more than half of which are alien species.
broad-shouldered water striders, Gerromorpha, Microveliinae, oceanic islands, semiaquatic bugs, small water striders, taxonomy
 |
| Habitus of Microvelia amphitrite new species paratypes. Apterous male and Apterous female. |
Microvelia (Pacificovelia) amphitrite Matsushima and Watanabe, sp. nov.
Etymology. The species epithet amphitrite derives from the Greek mythological queen of the sea, “Amphitrite”,who is said to have been crossed the sea on dolphins. This name reflects both the geographical background of thisnew species, which has established on the oceanic islands, and the dolphin-like shape of the male parameres.
 |
| Predation events by Microvelia spp. Predation by Microvelia amphitrite new species: 32, springtail (Entomobryidae). 33, Technomyrmex brunneus (Formicidae). 34, Apis mellifera (Apidae). Predation by M. yoshitomii: 35, springtail (Sminthuridae). 36, Heteropsylla cubana (Psyllidae). 37, Pheidole parva s. l. (Formicidae). |
RYOSUKE MATSUSHIMA, YU HISASUE and KOHEI WATANABE. 2026. New Species and New Distributional Records of the Genus Microvelia Westwood (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from the Japanese Ogasawara Islands, with an Illustrated Key to Ogasawaran Species. J. Int. Heteropterists’ Soc. 3(1); DOI: doi.org/10.11646/jihs.3.1.2 [2026-01-30]
Researchgate.net/publication/400255782_New_species_of_Microvelia_from_the_Japanese_Ogasawara_Islands
