Re-examination of the “pronotal gland,” which is possibly synapomorphic for Saicinae and part of Emesinae (Reduviidae), showed that this structure comprises a pronotal depression and an interior process, but lacks glandular units. Observation of Reduviidae other than Emesinae and Saicinae, and non-reduviid Cimicomorpha demonstrated the presence of a homologous structure in a wide range of taxa. Dissections of prothoracic muscles in Panstrongylus herreri (Triatominae, Reduviidae) established the relationship of three thoracic muscles with the interior process, which represents an apophysis, and not a gland. Based on those observations, the hypothesis of a closer relationship of only part of Emesinae with Saicinae due to the presence of a “pronotal gland” seems unjustified.

Two new genera and five new species of Colpurini are described from New Guinea and illustrated. The new taxa are as follows: Heydonhygia n. gen. containing H. lata n. sp. from Papua New Guinea, H. mucronata n. sp. from Indonesian New Guinea, H. prolata from Indonesian New Guinea, and H. venusta n. sp. from Papua New Guinea; and Riedelhygia n. gen., containing R. wasiora n. sp. from Indonesian New Guinea.

A list of 202 species of Miridae, or plant bugs, of Kentucky is presented, based on study of more than 4,000 specimens from the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville collections and fieldwork conducted by the authors, supplemented by a review of the literature. One- hundred seventy-six species are newly recorded from the state; 26 species previously were known in Kentucky based on the most recent North American Heteroptera catalog and a few other literature sources. The Miridae in this list are arranged alphabetically by subfamily, tribe, genus, and species. Distribution, dates, host plants, depository, and number of specimens examined are provided for each species. When a Kentucky host was not recorded, literature documenting known hosts is given, along with selected papers providing biological information.

Processina n. gen., belonging to the Cicadellinae (Cicadellidae), is described to contain two new species P. dashahensis n. sp. and P. taiwanana n. sp., collected from Guizhou Province and Taiwan respectively. The male genitalia are illustrated for each species, and a key to the 24 Chinese genera of the Cicadellinae is provided.

Studies were conducted on the biology and behavioral ecology of sympatric populations of spider wasps, Pepsis cerberus and P. mexicana from the Chihuahuan Desert. Females selectively hunt the theraphosid spider Aphonoplema steindachneri as their host. Adult body size was related to the size of the host spider that larval wasps fed upon. Mean body length and head capsule width for males and females of P. cerberus was 18.9 and 21.9 mm, respectively, as compared to 19.8 and 22.8 for P. mexicana . There were no significant interspecific differences in fecundity, and fecundity was related to female body size. Number of eggs in ovarioles ranged from 5 to 26 (P. cerberus) and 4 to 20 (P. mexicana). Mean values for length (mm), width (mm) and weight (mg) of eggs for P. cerberus were 4.25 mm, 1.31 mm, and 7.21 mg, as compared to 4.31, 1.23, and 7.14 for P. mexicana. Both species exhibited five larval instars (L1–L5). Under laboratory conditions (22 ± 0.5°C, 60–70% relative humidity), 1st-instar larvae of both species emerged within 3.2–4.1 days after oviposition. The amount of time required from oviposition to cocoon formation for P. cerberus and P. mexicana ranged from 19 to 22 and 20 to 24 days, respectively. The duration of the pupal stage ranged from 14 to 18 days. First-instar larvae (L1) fed initially on the cuticular lamellae and underlying connective tissues in the area of the host's book lungs, then proceeding to medial regions of the midgut, and finally to the heart and cerebral ganglion ingested. Peak period of activity for P. cerberus and P. mexicana were between 1,000 to 1,359 and 1,400 to 1,759, respectively. Adults of each species exhibited differences in the plants visited to obtain nectar.