Sigara basalis(Costa) (Heteroptera, Corixidae), a valid species: Diagnostic characters and comparative observations

Abstract

Investigation of the extensive Italian and European material of the subgenus Sigara provided definitive evidence that Sigara basalis is a valid species. This taxon, whose neotype has been designated, is described again and its distribution, of an endemic type (Apennines), is established. Comparative observations of the three species of Sigara living in the Italian peninsula (S. basalis, S. dorsalis, and S. striata) revealed that the characters useful for specific identification are primarily related with the morphology of the parameres and the 8th dextral abdominal tergite.