Heleocoris ovatus Montandon
Creators: name: Sites, Robert W.
name: Vitheepradit, Akekawat
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2011
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hemiptera
Naucoridae
Heleocoris
Heleocoris ovatus

description: Heleocoris ovatus Montandon
Figs. 2, 6, 9, 10
Heleocoris ovatus Montandon 1897a: 451 –452.
Diagnostic information. Males (n=10), length: 10.24–11.04, mean = 10.46; maximum width 7.04–7.36, mean = 7.14. Females (n=10), length: 9.28–10.88, mean = 10.05; maximum width 5.92–7.44, mean = 6.79. This species is almost as large as H. strabus, but can be distinguished readily from it by the convex lateral margin of the head and the continuous lateral margin of the hemelytron, which is not indented at the distal end of the embolium (Fig. 2). Also, the metaxyphus is only slightly longer than wide, subtriangular, and usually not noticeably produced apically, although it is acuminate (Fig. 6). In the field, specimens of H. ovatus are distinctive because the abdominal venter is dark brown to black and contrasts strongly with the yellow thoracic sterna and legs. The identity of our specimens was verified by comparison with the holotype housed in the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris.
Discussion. This is the most common species of Heleocoris in Thailand, and we have collected it in over 100 samples from most major regions (Fig. 9). It nearly always is present in large numbers where loose rocks and gravel habitat are available. Although H. ovatus frequently occurs in the same habitat with H. strabus, the habitat requirements of this species are less dependent on current than that observed for H. strabus and can be found immediately adjacent to the stream margin under rocks or on the sediment where flow is imperceptible. Close examination of the margin and lifting rocks in only a few centimeters of water will reveal their presence. Also, we observed individuals of H. ovatus out of the water on the vertical surface of large, emergent, wet rocks (Fig. 10). These individuals turned to face downward and quickly re-entered the water when disturbed. This behavior was discovered by T. O. Prommi (Kasetsart University-Nakhon Pathom).
Distribution. The label of the type specimen reads "Museum Paris / Lakhon / Harmand 1878." However, the location of Lakhon is uncertain. There is a locality known as Lakhon, Noen Kum, Bang Krathum, in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand; and another as Pha Lakhon, Luang Prabang Province, Laos. A third possibility for the type locality is "Lakhon [16°28’N 105°28’E]", in Savannakhet Province, Laos, and was given as a locality for other insect specimens (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) collected by Harmand in 1878 (Lin et al. 2009). Although we cannot be certain that any of these is the type locality, the last seems to be the most likely and all three possibilities are within the range of H. ovatus. In part because of the difficulty in identification, nothing has been published concerning this common and widespread species since the original description. Herein, we report this species from West Malaysia, north throughout Thailand, west to Myanmar, and east to Vietnam and Hainan Island, China. The species undoubtedly also occurs in Laos, although we have not seen samples from that country, with the possible exception of the type specimen.
Material examined. THAILAND: Chiang Mai Province: Amphur Doi Saket, Nam Kuang, 19°00.015'N 99°17.163'E, 554 m, 15 May 2004, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-689; Amphur Mae Chaem, Mae Pan, 18°31'N 98°23'E, 540 m, 8 June 2002, CMU team; same locality, 23 Sept. 2002, leaf packs, CMU team; same locality, 14 Jan. 2003, CMU team; same locality, 7 July 2002, CMU team, Amphur Mae Rim, Mae Sa River, 18°53'N 98°58'E, 345 m, 7 April 2002, UMC & CMU teams, L-329; ca. 10 km E Samoeng, N 018°51'40.2" E 098°38'49.5", 17 July 1997, river (WUC); same locality, 18 July 1997 (WUC); same locality, 28 Dec. 1997 (WUC); same locality, 29 Dec. 1997 (WUC); same locality, 2 Jan. 1998 (WUC); Doi Inthanon NP, Mae Aep above Hwy 1009, 18°32'N 98°32'E, 630 m, 6 July 2002, CMU team; Mae Aep above Hwy 1009, 18°32'N 98°32'E, 630 m, 11 Aug. 2002, CMU team; same locality, 5 October 2002, CMU team; same locality, 6 Dec. 2002, P. Thansenanupap; Mae Pan Noi, at Ban San Pathana, 18°31'N 98°25'E, 750 m, 7 May 2002, UMC & CMU teams, bedrock stream, L-393; same locality, 3 April 2003, UMC & CMU teams, L-445; Mae Klang River at Namtok Sob Ab, 18°31.775'N 98°36.488'E, 543 m, 8 June 2002, CMU team; same locality, 6 July 2002, CMU team; same locality, 11 Aug. 2002, CMU team; same locality, 21 Sept. 2002, CMU team; same locality, 4 March 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L- 258; same locality, 3 April 2002, UMC & CMU teams, L-319; same locality, 8 May 2002, UMC & CMU teams, L- 398; same locality, 17 May 2004, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-690; Sappong, Pai River, 9 Sept. 1998, CM Yang & T.B. Lim, YCM 2134; Doi Suthep Pui NP, Mae Ja Falls, 25 March 1994; Namtok Sai Yoi, 18°48'N 98°55'E, 1100 m, 9 July 2002, Sites, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, gravel, L-304; creek from Namtok Mohk Fah, 19°06'N 98°46'E, 564 m, 18 March 2002, Sites, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-304; same locality, 13 Oct 2002, CMU team; same locality, 25 March 2003, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-415; Namtok Mohk Fah, 19°06'N 98°46'E, 600 m, 18 March 2002, P. Chantaramongkol. Chumphon Province: Amphur Phato, Khlong Tab Khorn, 09º46'N 98º41'E, 97 m, 22 May 2005, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, stream with algae, L-785c; Amphur Tha Sae, Ban Rub Rod, 10°46'N 99°03'E, 102 m, 24 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, gravel stream w/algae, L-365; Amphur Tha Sae, Ban Meung Thong, 10°50'N 99°11'E, 98 m, 19 May 2003, Vitheepradit & Ferro, L-546; Amphur Tha Sae, Tumbon, Bang Fon Tok, Khlong Bang Fon Tok, 10°46'N 99°03'E, 73 m, 24 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-366; Khun Mae Yam Oum WS, Namtok Haew Lome, 09º43'N 98º40'E, 122 m, 22 May 2005, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-785b; Kanchanaburi Province: creek at Ban Prachamai, 14°35'N 98°35'E, 24 Feb. 2002, root mats, G.W. Courtney; Amphur Sai Yok, Thong Pha Phum FRS, Mae Nam Noi, 14°31'N 98°37'E, 204 m, 10 April 2003, UMC & CMU teams, L-462; Amphur Thong Pha Phum, Huay Ou Long, 14°46.933'N 98°40.258'E, 139 m, 12 May 2003, Vitheepradit, Prommi & Ferro, stream, L-525; same locality, 5 June 2006, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, stream, L-919; Huay Ka Yaeng at Ban Padsadoo Klang, 14°33'N 98°34'E, 296 m, 26 May 2003, stream, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-717; same locality, 24 Nov. 2010, Vitheepradit & Maitreepan; Huay Ka Yaeng at Ban Padsadoo Klang, 14°33.364'N 98°34.335'E, 296 m, 4 June 2006, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-915; Huay Ka Yaeng at Ban Pa Jam Mai, 14°35'N 98°34'E, 247 m, stream, 9 April 2003, Sites, Vitheepradit, Prommi & Setaphan, L-458; Huay Pak Kog, 14°39'N 98°32'E, 184 m, 8 April 2003, Sites, Vitheepradit, Prommi & Setaphan, gravel stream, L-455; Huay Pak Kog near Thong Pha Phum NP, 14°38'N 98°31'E, 206 m, gravel stream, 9 April 2003, Sites, Vitheepradit, Prommi & Setaphan, L-460; same locality, 24 Nov. 2010, Vitheepradit & Maitreepan; creek at Lum Phi Lack, 14°37'N 98°34'E, 24 Feb. 2002, riffle/leaf packs, G.W. Courtney. Loei Province: Amphur Lom Sak, 62 km E of Lom Sak on Hwy 2016, 24 June 1998, Vitheepradit & Sawangsak, pond, L-208; Kaeng Hai, Nam San Khe, Hwy 203, 17° 26.42'N 101° 19.60'E, 2092 ft, 9 March 1994, W. D. Shepard; Ma Nam Loei at Ban Huay Nam Une, 11 June 1998, Sites, Simpson & Vitheepradit, muddy river w/ gravel & veg., L-180. Mae Hong Son Province: Amphur Pang Mapha, Nam Khong, 19°32'N 98°06'E, 349 m, 31 March 2003, UMC & CMU teams, L- 429; Amphur Pang Mapha, Soppong River 4.5 km NW of Pang Mapha, on Hwy 1095, 19º30.098'N 98º16.662'E, 697 m, 19 April 2009, Sites, Vitheepradit, Prommi, L-1048; Amphur Mae La Noi, Huay Ma Lah Kah, stream 25 km N of Mae Sariang on Hwy 108, 18º39.006'N 97º55.883'E; 420 m, 20 April 2009, Sites, Vitheepradit, Prommi; L-1051; Huay Mae Saket, just S of Mae Hong Son, 19°14'N 97°58'E, 280 m, 20 March 2002, Sites, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-309; same locality, 1 April 2003, UMC & CMU teams, L-433; same locality, 20 March 2002, G.W. Courtney; Huay Pha, <1 km N Ban Huay Pha, 19º25.847'N 97º59.827'E, 360 m, 19 April 2009, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi stream, L-1049; Namtok Mae Surin NP, Mai Nam Pai, 19°21'N 97°59'E, 310 m, 19 March 2002, CMU team; Mae Hong Son, Mae Nam Cottage, among floating debris in Pai River, N 019°19'59.0" E 097°57'13.0", 11 Aug. 1997, W. Ullrich (WUC); ca. 60 km NNE of Mae Hong Son, Nam Kong River, N 019°35'56.8" E 098°06'35.5", 21 Dec. 1997 (WUC); ca. 60 km NNE of Mae Hong Son, Tung Kong Tau Vill, Nam Kong River, N 019°35'56.8" E 098°06'35.5", 21 Dec. 1997, W. Ullrich, (WUC); ca. 75 km NNE of Mae Hong Son, Tung Kong Tau Vill, Mae Kong River, N 019°39'52.9" E 098°06'45.5", 24 Dec. 1997, W. Ullrich, (WUC); ca. 5 km S of Mae Hong Son, Pai River, N 019°14'12.2" E 097°53'41.1", 23 July 1997, W. Ullrich, high water, flooding, detritus / vegetation (WUC); ca. 25 km N of Mae Hong Son, Ban Na Pla Chia at Mae Nam, Sangel River, N 019°30'31.0" E 098°00'05.7", 9 Aug. 1997, W. Ullrich, (WUC); 17 rd km N Mae Hong Son, Mok Cham Pae, nr. Fish Cave, 11 Nov. 1995, Zettel,12a (NHMW). Nakhon Si Thammarat Province: Amphur Chawang, Khlong Kod Duan, 08°25'N 99°35'E, 127 m, 29 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, gravel stream, L-381; Namtok Yong N. P., Namtok Yong, 0 8°10.372'N 99°44.502'E, 117 m, 5 June 2004, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-743; Tumbon Krung Ching, Khlong Nob, 08°44'N 99°39'E, 89 m, 16 June 2004, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-772; same locality, 18 June 2004, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-778; same locality, 25 May 2005, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L- 798; Tumbon Krung Ching, Khlong Krai, 08º47.387'N 99º38.695'E, 80 m, 18 June 2004, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-779; Nopphitam, Ban Pitam, Tumbon Krung Ching, 6.7 km SW int. Hwys 4186 x 4188, 08°44'N 99°39'E, 98 m, 30 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, gravel stream, L-382; same loality, 89 m, 26 May 2003, Vitheepradit & Ferro, gravel stream, L-570; Nopphitam Khlong Yod Leung, 0 8°38'N 99°44'E, 78 m, 26 May 2005, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, stream, L-800. Nan Province: Amphur Wiang Sa, Ban Nam Poo, 18°32'N 100°56'E, 310 m, 23 April 2003, Vitheepradit, Prommi & Setaphan, gravel stream, L-479; Doi Phuka NP Namtok Sila Phet, 19°05'N 100°56'E, 400 m, 13 March 2002, Sites, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-292; Mae Charim NP, Nam Wa River, 18°36'N 100°59'E, 335 m, 13 March 2002, Sites, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-293. Narathiwat Province: stream below Namtok Bacho, 15 Jan. 1995, Sites, Nichols & Permkam, L-78; stream 14 km W Srisakhon, 15 Jan. 1995, Sites & Nichols, L-77. Petchabun Province: 5 km E Sila, Mae Nam Pa Sax, 2 March 1994, W. D. Shepard, WDS-A-1025; Khao Khor NP stream from Namtok Tarntip, 16°39.594'N 101°07.901'E, 182 m, 11 May 2004, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-678. Petchaburi Province: 5 km E Sila, Mae Nam Pa Sak, 3 April 1994, W. D. Shepard, WDS-A-1050. Phang Nga Province: Amphur Kapong, Ban Tha Na, 08°40'N 98°25'E, 32 m, 28 May 2003, Vitheepradit & Ferro, stream, L-576; Amphur Khura Buri, Tumbon Bang Won, 08°59'N 98°26'E, 45 m, 27 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, gravel stream, L-375; Namtok Ton Prai, 08°26'N 98°18'E, 92 m, 29 May 2003, Vitheepradit & Ferro, L-577; Sri Phang Nga NP, Namtok Tam Nang, 8º58.890'N 98º27.521'E, 68 m, 8 June 2006, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, stream, L-926. Phitsanulok Province: Ban Coke Puk Hwuan, Amphur Chartrakan, unnamed river, 9 June 1998, Sites, Simpson & Vitheepradit, L-172; Phrae Province: stream from Namtok Cheung Thong, 18°03.020'N 100°14.927'E, 259 m, 14 May 2004, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-688. Prachuap Khiri Khan Province: Amphur Bang Saparn, Tumbon Tong Mongkol, Moo Ban, Tong Mongkol, 11°14'N 99°22'E, 73 m, 23 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-362; Amphur Bang Saphan, stream fm Namtok Kha On, 11°26'N 99°26'E, 117 m, 18 May 2003, Vitheepradit & Ferro, L-544; Amphur Hua Hin, stream from irrigation dam at Ban Pa La Ou, 12°31'N 99°30'E, 164 m, 20 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-357; Amphur Hua Hin, Tumbon Huay Pheung, Ban Sad Yai, 12°29'N 99°34'E, 114 m, 16 May 2003, Vitheepradit & Ferro, stream, L-537; Amphur Kui Buri FRS., 12°04'N 99°37'E, 117 m, 21 May 2005, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-785a. Ranong Province: Amphur Kra Buri, stream from Namtok Huay Liang, 10°15'N 98°51'E, 38 m, 20 May 2003, Vitheepradit & Ferro, L-552. Ratchaburi Province: Amphur Suan Phueng, 50 km W of Amphur Chom Bueng on Hwy 3087, 13°34'N 99°15'E, 195 m, 16 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-346; Amphur Suan Phueng, 49.5 km W of Amphur Chom Bueng on Hwy 3087, 13°34'N 99°15'E, 195 m, 16 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-347; Amphur Suan Phueng, Khlong Ngueng, 13°35'N 99°17'E, 195 m, 16 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, stream, L- 348; Amphur Suan Phueng, 9 km SW Suan Phueng, 13°30'N 99°17'E, 156 m, 17 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, stream, L-350; Amphur Suan Phueng, 11.6 km, SSE Suan Phueng, 13°28'N 99°15'E, 185 m, 17 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, stream, L-351. Suratthani Province: Amphur Ban Na San, Ban Plai Nam, 08º52.680'N 99º28.621'E, 168 m, 17 June 2004, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, stream, L-775; Amphur Khiri Ratthanikhom, Khlong Yan, 09°04'N 98°59'E, 26 m, 24 May 2003, Vitheepradit, Laudee & Ferro, L-567; Amphur Phanom, 20 km N of Amphur Thap Put on Hwy 4118, 08°40'N 98°42'E, 49 m, 27 April 2002, Vitheepradit & Kirawanich, L-377; Amphur Phanom, stream from Namtok Sip Et Chan in front of Khao Sok Rain Forest, 08º54'N 98º31'E, 42 m, 24 May 2005, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-795; Amphur Phanom, Khlong Bang Tan, 08°54'N 98°35'E, 45 m, 27 April 2002, Vitheepradit, Kirawanich, gravel stream, L-376; Amphur Tha Chang, Khlong Mai Daeng, 09°25'N 98°54'E, 153 m, 25 May 2003, Vitheepradit, Laudee & Ferro, L-569; Khao Sok NP, stream from Namtok Sibjed Chan, 0 8°55.083'N 98°31.683'E, 133 m, 7 June 2004, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-750. Tak Province: Amphur Tha Song Yang, 4 km NW Amphur Mae Ramat, 17º03.834'N 98º26.632'E, 226 m, 21 April 2009, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, stream, L-1057; Amphur Tha Song Yang, Huay Ma Nohk, stream 12.3 km NW of Amphur Mae Ramat, 17º30.872'N 97º59.134'E, 118 m; 21 April 2009, Sites, Vitheepradit & Prommi, L-1056. Trang Province: Khao Chong WMS., 11 July 1997, Sites & Permkam, stream, L-137. Uttaradit Province: Namtok Mae Cheuy, 17°47'N 100°10'E, 231 m, 27 April 2003, Vitheepradit, Prommi & Setaphan, L-487. Yala Province: Than To, Banglang NP, 14 Jan. 1995, Sites & Nichols, riffles in stream, L-73; 9 km N Than To, 15 Jan. 1995, Sites & Nichols, L-76.
Additional material examined. CHINA: Hainan Island, 9 Sept 2005, Tran Duc, THH 05-68; Hainan, 3 km E Mayoyang, Wuzhi Shan Riv., 19 Jan. 1996, 200 m, Jäch (197) (NHMW); same locality, Changhua river, 17 Jan. 1996, Jäch (192) (NHMW). LAOS?: HOLOTYPE, Lakhon, Harmand 1878 (MNHN). MALAYSIA: Pehang, Taman Negara, Lim Chong Ferry; Bentong 1 Jan. 1995, MAL (WUC); Terengganu, Sekayu, Sg. Brang, 21 Oct 1998, H. K. Lua, LHK0401; Selangor, 8 km S K. Kubu Babru, 03° 30.41'N 101° 37.98'E, Sengal Selangor, 11 April 1994, Wm. D. Shepard. MYANMAR: Sagaing Division, Alaungdaw Katthapa NP, Pagoda Stream, 22°18.560'N 94°27.679' E, 400 m, 6 May 2003, Boukal & al. (111) (NHMW); same locality, 22° 19.113' N 94° 28.518' E, 350 m, 13 May 2003, Boukal & al (122) (NHMW), same locality, Khaung Din Stream, 22° 18.360' N 94° 25.937' E, 450 m, 11 May 2003, Boukal & al (119) (NHMW). VIETNAM: Nghe An Province, Pu Mat NP, Choang River, 19°05.538'N 104°46.013'E, 45 m, 12 July 2007, Sites, Trung, & Lan, riffles in rocky stream, L-1013; Giang River, 18°53.084'N 104°53.427'E, 101 m, 14 July 2007, Sites & Trung, L-1018; Giang River, N 18° 53.123, E 104° 53.287, elev 94 m, 14 July 2007, R. W. Sites, cobble & sand/slow flow, L-1019; Giang Riv. at Co Ngniu Village, N 18° 52.920 E 104° 52.596, elev 106 m, 14 July 2007, R. W. Sites, L-1020; Khe Kem (stream), 18°57.858'N 104°48.295'E, 251 m, 15 July 2007, Sites and Trung, rocks & gravel streambed, L-1023.
description: Published as part of Sites, Robert W. & Vitheepradit, Akekawat, 2011, Heleocoris (Heteroptera: Naucoridae: Laccocorinae) of Thailand, with description of a new species, pp. 1-16 in Zootaxa 2736 on pages 4-7, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.201948