Genus of true bugs
Ploiaria is a cosmopolitan genus of thread-legged bugs (Emesinae). There are presently about 130 described species.
Description.
"Ploiaria" can be recognised by the head without ventral spine-like setae, the medially emarginated posterior margin of the prosternum, the posterior pronotal lobe covering only the extreme base of the mesonotum, the scutellum and metanotum lacking spines, the profemora lacking a process with several spine-like setae, and three-segmented protarsi. There is great variation in wing development between different species and within species, with macroptery (developed wings), brachyptery (reduced wings) and aptery (winglessness) all occurring in the genus.
Habitat.
These bugs live in various habitats ranging from tropical forests to deserts and even oceanic islands (presumably reached by rafting on tree trunks). Their microhabitat range includes trees, epiphytes, leaf litter, under bark and under stones. The species "P. chilensis" and "P. domestica" are synanthropes, meaning they are associated with human habitats.
Diet.
"Ploiaria", like other emesines, are predators. They have been recorded feeding on prey such as "Phlebotomus" flies, mosquitoes and planthoppers.
Selected species.
This list contains all species of "Ploiaria" currently considered valid, except for a few that have been described very recently:
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References.
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