The genus Xenobates (Hemiptera: Veliidae) in the Philippines: overview and description of two new species

The Philippine species of Xenobates Esaki, 1927 are reviewed, with the exception of the Xenobates argentatus complex. Two species are described as new: Xenobates nypicola sp. nov. and X. riedli sp. nov. The presence of Xenobates murphyi Andersen, 2000 in the Philippines is confirmed. The taxonomically unresolved Xenobates argentatus complex is represented in the Philippines by at least six morphologically very similar species, but the typical X. argentatus Andersen, 2000, a species described from Thailand, must be excluded from the Philippine fauna. An identification key to the hitherto described species of the Philippines is provided. All species are illustrated. Xenobates species inhabit a wide variety of mangrove habitats along the Philippine coasts; Xenobates nypicola sp. nov. typically inhabits coastal swamps with Nypa fruticans.