Engytatus pali (Heteroptera, Miridae): a new species collected by drone from vertical cliffs on Kauai, Hawaiian Islands

The plant bug genus Engytatus (Heteroptera, Miridae) is represented by 29 species globally, with a small insular radiation in Hawaii, many of which show strong host-plant specificity. Recent botanical survey efforts in challenging terrain on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, utilizing a remotely operated aerial drone collection tool, resulted in the discovery of a previously unknown plant species, the recently described Schiedea waiahuluensis (Caryophyllaceae), that also harbors an undescribed Engytatus species, described here as Engytatus pali.

Based on characters of the male genitalia, antennae and rostrum, this new taxon appears most closely related to several other Engytatus species endemic to Kauai and Oahu. Photomicrographs are provided of diagnostic characters for the new species and other similar congeners from Kauai and Oahu, along with notes on its association with the host species S. waiahuluensis. This discovery highlights the utility of novel aerial drone collection techniques in documenting the biodiversity of remote, topographically inaccessible habitats, for both plant and insect species.