Notes on Menestheus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Aeptini)

Menestheus Stål, 1868 is a little known Australian genus of Pentatomidae, which contains a single species. The identity of this genus has been confused because Menestheus is based upon a misidentified species. Since Menestheus is monotypic, the only known species Menestheus cuneatus Distant, 1899, is accepted as the type species of the genus (ICZN, art. 70. 3), even it was misidentified in the original description. Menestheus cuneatus is known from Queensland and Northern Territories of Australia. The examination of new material indicates that this species consists of two distinct populations, differing in several morphological traits.  One inhabits the eastern part of Australia (mainly Queensland), and the other has a more western distribution.  Further studies are needed to determine if these populations represent two separate species or two subspecies of the same species. A morphological analysis and a pictorial key to identify the two taxa are included.