# Melyroidea

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***Melyroidea*** is a genus of [cockroaches](/source/Cockroach) in the family [Corydiidae](/source/Corydiidae) found in tropical South America.[1]

## Species

Three species are recognised:

- *[Melyroidea ecuadoriana](/source/Melyroidea_ecuadoriana)* Vidlička & Vršanský, 2020 – Ecuador
- *[Melyroidea magnifica](/source/Melyroidea_magnifica)* Shelford, 1912 – Ecuador and Peru
- *[Melyroidea mimetica](/source/Melyroidea_mimetica)* Shelford, 1912 – Brazil

## Taxonomy and systematics

The genus *Melyroidea* was described by Shelford in 1912. The phylogenetic position of *Melyroidea* was unclear and he originally classified it in the subfamily [Blattinae](/source/Blattidae).[2] Gurney in 1948 designated *[M. magnifica](/source/Melyroidea_magnifica)* as the type species of the genus.[3] *Melyroidea* is currently classified within [Corydiidae](/source/Corydiidae), with recent classification also indicating relations within [Ectobiidae](/source/Ectobiidae), though molecular analysis has not been conducted yet.[4]

## Description

The genus is characterized by a semiglobose head with small eyes far apart on the sides. The antennae have moniliform joints. The pronotum is quadrate with rounded angles and margins somewhat reflexed. The tegmina are densely reticulated, obscuring the venation, and are semi-corneous in texture. The wings have a moderate apical field which in repose is doubled on itself longitudinally and tightly rolled up. The supra-anal lamina of the female is triangular or trigonal; the sub-genital lamina is divided by a sulcus. The legs are slender, with all femora unarmed, tibiae very sparsely spined, and tarsi without arolia. The two original species present a curious resemblance to Malacoderm [Coleoptera](/source/Coleoptera) in their form and coloration. The head with its globose front and widely separated small eyes, the cleft subgenital lamina of the female, and the naked tarsal claws are characteristic. The wing-structure is totally unlike that of the [Corydiinae](/source/Corydiinae), with a prominent apical area and posterior part furnished with radiating veins, typically [Plectopterine](/source/Pseudophyllodromiinae) in structure.[2]

## Biology and ecology

Observations from 2017–2019 provide evidence of eusocial behaviour in this genus residing in [cloud forests](/source/Cloud_forest) on the Eastern slopes of the [Andes](/source/Andes). A colony of *M. magnifica* was observed occupying cavities inside a *[Casearia](/source/Casearia)* tree. Colony structure was complex, with observations revealing at least four different instars and colour variability much higher than any other known cockroach. The colony contained different nymphal stages, including a larger metallic green–coloured stage and a smaller pale brown–coloured stage. Activity of early nymphs was nearly entirely restricted to within the nests. Adults and older stages were frequently observed outside the nest, exhibiting clumping/agglomerating behaviour. Specimens were observed as strict herbivores (algaevores), feeding on [algal](/source/Algae) film. Communal feeding with specimens tightly clustered was observed. No predation or [detritus](/source/Detritus) feeding was observed. Guards were observed at the nest entrance. An ant trying to enter the nest was denied. Escape behaviour was characterised by higher activity. Comfort behaviour was observed in the form of cleaning the antenna. Nest repair behaviour was documented. The cockroaches do not leave the nest every day and might emerge en masse to feed during good conditions.[4]

## Distribution

The genus is found in the [Neotropics](/source/Neotropical_realm), specifically in Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.[3][1]

## References

1. ["*Melyroidea* Shelford, 1912"](https://www.gbif.org/species/2001131). *GBIF*

1. Shelford, R.W.C. (1912). ["Mimicry amongst the Blattidae; with a revision of the genus Prosoplecta Sauss., and the description of a new genus"](https://www.zin.ru/animalia/coleoptera/addpages/Andrey_Ukrainsky_Library/References_files/Shelford12.pdf). *Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London*. **82**: 374–376.

1. ["Genus *Melyroidea* Shelford, 1912"](https://cockroach.speciesfile.org/otus/862270/overview). *Cockroach Species File*

1. Hinkelman, Jan; Gallice, Geoffrey R.; Vršanský, Peter; Koubová, Ivana; Garcia, Thierry; Nagy, Štefan; Tejedor, Adrian; Vidlička, Ľubomír; Bertner, Paul; Sorokin, Anton (2020). "Neotropical Melyroidea group cockroaches reveal various degrees of (eu)sociality". *The Science of Nature*. **107** (39). [doi:10.1007/s00114-020-01694-x](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-020-01694-x)

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