M. Nasser’s research while affiliated with University of Calicut and other places

A new flower bug, Montandoniola indica Yamada, sp. nov., is described on the basis of specimens collected in Kerala State, southern India. It is an efficient predator of gall-forming thrips, Liothrips karnyi Bagnall, 1924 (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), infesting black-pepper leaves. Montandoniola indica Yamada, sp. nov. is distinguished from its related species, M. thripodes Bergroth, 1916, by slightly sinuate flagellum approximately twice as long as cone and by the copulatory tube apex exceeding the anterior margin of sternum VII. Biology of this new species and identity of Indian species of Montandoniola Poppius, 1909 are discussed.

The recently established genus Rajburicoris Carpintero and Dellapé, 2008 is recorded from India for the first time based on a new species, R. keralanus Yamada, collected from Kerala State. This new species feeds on Liothrips karnyi, which infests black pepper leaves and forms leaf-curl galls. It differs from R. stysi Carpintero and Dellapé, 2008 by the labium reaching middle of mesosternum, the ostiolar peritreme weakly curving anteriorly before strongly recurving posteriorly at apex, and the omphalus basally widened and gradually more slender apicad. Biological information of the new species is provided. The genus is redefined based on the following autapomorphies: 1) pygophore with an irregular, small parameroid along left edge; 2) paramere strongly curved, very long, basally widened, and gradually narrowed toward apex; and 3) omphalus extremely long and circularly curved.

Cardiastethus affinis and C. pseudococci pseudococci were recognized in Kerala State, southern India: the latter is recorded from India for the first time. It is found that Cardiastethus affinis is associated with Orthaga exvinacea (Lepi-doptera: Pyralidae) and C. pseudococci pseudococci is associated with Opisina arenosella (Lepidoptera: Xylorictidae). Revised diagnoses and illustrations of both species are given. Biological notes for Indian species of Cardiastethus and a key to the three local species of the genus are provided.