A new species of the sharpshooter genus Soosiulus (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from the Brazilian Amazon Forest, with notes on a putative complex of species

Soosiulus belterrensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Amazon Forest of the state of Pará, northern Brazil. Both the male and female terminalia are treated in detail, in addition to color features. With the addition of this new taxon, the diverse Neotropical genus Soosiulus Young, 1977 now comprises 28 species. The new species is the first one proposed for Soosiulus after the original generic description. It appears to be included in a complex with eleven other Soosiulus species, all of them sharing a very similar color pattern. Among the members of this putative complex, the aedeagus of S. belterrensis sp. nov. is most similar to those of S. hastatus Young, 1977 and S. ruber Young, 1977, due to the presence of a pair of conspicuous dorsoapical processes. However, in S. hastatus and S. ruber the aedeagus has also a retrorse ventroapical process originated from a lobe; both process and lobe are not present in the new species. In addition, the female sternite VII in S. hastatus and S. ruber is convex posteriorly, whereas it has a distinct median emargination in the new species.(AU)

A new species of the sharpshooter genus Hanshumba (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from the Mantiqueira mountain range, southeastern Brazil, associated with olive orchards

A new species of Hanshumba Young, 1977 is described and illustrated from the Mantiqueira mountain range (southeastern Brazil), municipalities of Wenceslau Braz (state of Minas Gerais) and São Bento do Sapucaí (state of São Paulo). The new taxon is associated with olive orchards and is considered a potential vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. This bacterium causes a serious disease known in Brazil as olive leaf desiccation syndrome. Hanshumba mariae sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other five known species of the genus by the following combination of features: (1) apical third of ventral margin of male pygofer with small inner process bearing setae; (2) male abdominal segment X (anal tube) without processes; (3) style with apex narrow, obtuse, not foot-shaped; (4) aedeagus with distinct dorsal lobe along basal two-thirds and with apical portion expanded, bearing dorsal projection; (5) paraphyses with distal pair of rami forceps-like, their basal halves divergent from each other, distal halves approximately parallel, apices acute; (6) female sternite VII with posterior margin shallowly emarginate, bearing slight median lobe; and (7) valvula II of ovipositor with approximately 15 low teeth. Both males and females of the new species are described in detail. A key to the six known species of the genus is provided.

Comparison of protocols for the extraction of genomic DNA from Sharpshooters (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) for the detection of Xylella fastidiosa / Comparação de protocolos para a extração de DNA genômico de cigarrinhas (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) para a detecção de Xylella fastidiosa

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), is dependent on vector insects for its spread and infection of citrus hosts. The insects, leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) transmit the bacteria to healthy plants after feeding on infected plants. The objective of this study was to develop and compare methods for extracting genomic DNA from sharpshooters to detect X. fastidiosa. The DNA extraction from insects was performed according to a phenol-chloroform based DNA extraction in conjunction with two commercial kits, Dneasy® Plant Mini Kit and blood & tissue Dneasy® Handbook (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA, USA). The heads of the following species of sharpshooter were used: Dilobopterus costalimai, Acrogonia citrina, Oncometopia facialis, Bucephalogonia xanthophis, Macugonalia leucomelas and Homalodisca ignorata. Based on the numeric differences between independent samples, the results showed the use of the phenol:chloroform extraction method (36/50 positives) and the DNeasy® Plant Mini Kit (33/50) resulting in the most detections of X. fastidiosa from leafhopper samples. As these two methods detected Xylella in the greatest number of infected samples, they may be more efficient to use for detection purposes in leafhoppers.(AU)

A bactéria Xylella fastidiosa, agente causal da clorose variegada dos citros, é dependente da ação de insetos vetores para sua disseminação e infecção em plantas cítricas hospedeiras. Os insetos cigarrinhas (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) transmitem a bactéria para plantas sadias depois de se alimentarem das plantas contaminadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e comparar métodos de extração de DNA genômico de cigarrinhas a fim de detectar a bactéria X. fastidiosa. A extração de DNA foi realizada de acordo com protocolo à base de fenol-clorofórmio em conjunto com dois kits comerciais: Dneasy® Plant Mini Kit and Blood & Tissue Dneasy® Handbook (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA, USA). Utilizou-se a cabeça das seguintes espécies de cigarrinhas: D. costalimai, A. citrina, O. facialis, B. xanthophis, M. leucomelas e H. ignorata. Com base nas diferenças numéricas entre as amostras independentes, os resultados mostraram o uso do método de extração fenol-clorofórmio (36/50 positivos) e o kit comercial DNeasy® Plant Mini Kit (33/50) resultando nas maiores detecções de X. fastidiosa nas amostras de cigarrinhas. Como esses dois métodos detectaram a presença de X. fastidiosa no maior número de amostras infectadas, eles podem ser mais eficientes para o uso na detecção em cigarrinhas.(AU)

Comparison of protocols for the extraction of genomic DNA from Sharpshooters (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) for the detection of Xylella fastidiosa / Comparação de protocolos para a extração de DNA genômico de cigarrinhas (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) para a detecção de Xylella fastidiosa

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), is dependent on vector insects for its spread and infection of citrus hosts. The insects, leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) transmit the bacteria to healthy plants after feeding on infected plants. The objective of this study was to develop and compare methods for extracting genomic DNA from sharpshooters to detect X. fastidiosa. The DNA extraction from insects was performed according to a phenol-chloroform based DNA extraction in conjunction with two commercial kits, Dneasy® Plant Mini Kit and blood & tissue Dneasy® Handbook (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA, USA). The heads of the following species of sharpshooter were used: Dilobopterus costalimai, Acrogonia citrina, Oncometopia facialis, Bucephalogonia xanthophis, Macugonalia leucomelas and Homalodisca ignorata. Based on the numeric differences between independent samples, the results showed the use of the phenol:chloroform extraction method (36/50 positives) and the DNeasy® Plant Mini Kit (33/50) resulting in the most detections of X. fastidiosa from leafhopper samples. As these two methods detected Xylella in the greatest number of infected samples, they may be more efficient to use for detection purposes in leafhoppers.(AU)

A bactéria Xylella fastidiosa, agente causal da clorose variegada dos citros, é dependente da ação de insetos vetores para sua disseminação e infecção em plantas cítricas hospedeiras. Os insetos cigarrinhas (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) transmitem a bactéria para plantas sadias depois de se alimentarem das plantas contaminadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e comparar métodos de extração de DNA genômico de cigarrinhas a fim de detectar a bactéria X. fastidiosa. A extração de DNA foi realizada de acordo com protocolo à base de fenol-clorofórmio em conjunto com dois kits comerciais: Dneasy® Plant Mini Kit and Blood & Tissue Dneasy® Handbook (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA, USA). Utilizou-se a cabeça das seguintes espécies de cigarrinhas: D. costalimai, A. citrina, O. facialis, B. xanthophis, M. leucomelas e H. ignorata. Com base nas diferenças numéricas entre as amostras independentes, os resultados mostraram o uso do método de extração fenol-clorofórmio (36/50 positivos) e o kit comercial DNeasy® Plant Mini Kit (33/50) resultando nas maiores detecções de X. fastidiosa nas amostras de cigarrinhas. Como esses dois métodos detectaram a presença de X. fastidiosa no maior número de amostras infectadas, eles podem ser mais eficientes para o uso na detecção em cigarrinhas.(AU)

A new species of the sharpshooter genus Cardioscarta (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Bolivia and Peru

The South American sharpshooter genus Cardioscarta Melichar, 1932 comprises six species. In this paper we describe and illustrate C. splendida sp. nov. based on a specimen from Bolivia (male holotype deposited in DZUP). The new species can be recognized by the orange ground color with five transverse dark brown stripes on dorsum (one on crown and four on forewings), and by the aedeagus with two pairs of dorsal processes on the basal apodemes and a single process at the apex of the shaft. A female from Peru is tentatively assigned to the new species and is also described, since it has the same color pattern as the holotype. An updated key to males and females of all known species of the genus is also given.

A new species of the sharpshooter genus Cardioscarta (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Bolivia and Peru

The South American sharpshooter genus Cardioscarta Melichar, 1932 comprises six species. In this paper we describe and illustrate C. splendida sp. nov. based on a specimen from Bolivia (male holotype deposited in DZUP). The new species can be recognized by the orange ground color with five transverse dark brown stripes on dorsum (one on crown and four on forewings), and by the aedeagus with two pairs of dorsal processes on the basal apodemes and a single process at the apex of the shaft. A female from Peru is tentatively assigned to the new species and is also described, since it has the same color pattern as the holotype. An updated key to males and females of all known species of the genus is also given.(AU)

Notes on Neotropical Proconiini (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). VIII: morphology of the male and female genitalia of Paraulacizes munda, revalidated from synonymy of P. confusa

Paraulacizes munda (Fowler, 1899) has been considered a junior synonym of P. confusa (Signoret, 1855). These two species were described from Mexico. Here it is shown that P. munda can be distinguished from P. confusa by the color and size of the body. Hence, the former is revalidated from synonymy of the latter. Descriptions and illustrations of the male and female genitalia of P. munda, which are necessary for an accurate identification of leafhopper species in general, are provided for the first time. Paraulacizes munda can be distinguished from the other 11 species currently included in Paraulacizes by the following combination of features: ground color of anterior dorsum yellow or pale yellow; dorsal processes of male pygofer strongly inflated apically; style with apex transversely truncate, not projected inward; atrial processes of aedeagus, in lateral view, not distinctly curved apically; female sternite VII with small median lobe on posterior margin and pair of dark brown marks posteromedially. This is the first detailed description of the first and second ovipositor valvulae of a Paraulacizes species. The female genitalia of Paraulacizes are compared with those of the related genera Aulacizes Amyot & Serville, 1843 and Proconosama Young, 1968.

Notes on Neotropical Proconiini (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). VIII: morphology of the male and female genitalia of Paraulacizes munda, revalidated from synonymy of P. confusa

Paraulacizes munda (Fowler, 1899) has been considered a junior synonym of P. confusa (Signoret, 1855). These two species were described from Mexico. Here it is shown that P. munda can be distinguished from P. confusa by the color and size of the body. Hence, the former is revalidated from synonymy of the latter. Descriptions and illustrations of the male and female genitalia of P. munda, which are necessary for an accurate identification of leafhopper species in general, are provided for the first time. Paraulacizes munda can be distinguished from the other 11 species currently included in Paraulacizes by the following combination of features: ground color of anterior dorsum yellow or pale yellow; dorsal processes of male pygofer strongly inflated apically; style with apex transversely truncate, not projected inward; atrial processes of aedeagus, in lateral view, not distinctly curved apically; female sternite VII with small median lobe on posterior margin and pair of dark brown marks posteromedially. This is the first detailed description of the first and second ovipositor valvulae of a Paraulacizes species. The female genitalia of Paraulacizes are compared with those of the related genera Aulacizes Amyot & Serville, 1843 and Proconosama Young, 1968.(AU)

Two new Brazilian species of the Neotropical sharpshooter genus Ruppeliana (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Two new Ruppeliana Young, 1977 species are described and illustrated based on specimens from the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new species are easily distinguished from other Ruppeliana Young, 1977 by their color pattern. Ruppeliana caelimaculata sp. nov. has red to dark red forewings with whitish-blue transverse maculae, and R. flavivirescens sp. nov. has brownish-red forewings with greenish-yellow longitudinal stripes. The female genitalia are for the first time described and illustrated in detail for species of the genus.

Two new Brazilian species of the Neotropical sharpshooter genus Ruppeliana (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Two new Ruppeliana Young, 1977 species are described and illustrated based on specimens from the states of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new species are easily distinguished from other Ruppeliana Young, 1977 by their color pattern. Ruppeliana caelimaculata sp. nov. has red to dark red forewings with whitish-blue transverse maculae, and R. flavivirescens sp. nov. has brownish-red forewings with greenish-yellow longitudinal stripes. The female genitalia are for the first time described and illustrated in detail for species of the genus.(AU)

On the sharpshooter Versigonalia (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini): Versigonalia lentiginosa nom. nov., redescription of V. vermiculata comb. nov., and key to species of the genus

Syntypes of Tettigonia vermiculata Signoret, 1855 were studied and redescribed, including the first description and illustration of the male and female genitalia of this species. Based on this study, this Brazilian species, previously placed in Molomea (Proconiini), is herein transferred to Versigonalia (Cicadellini). This transfer resulted in a secondary homonymy and its junior homonym from Argentina, Versigonalia vermiculata Young, 1977 is considered invalid. Thus, we propose a new name, V. lentiginosa nom. nov., for the latter. A taxonomic key to all three species of Versigonalia is also given.(AU)

On the sharpshooter Versigonalia (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini): Versigonalia lentiginosa nom. nov., redescription of V. vermiculata comb. nov., and key to species of the genus

Syntypes of Tettigonia vermiculata Signoret, 1855 were studied and redescribed, including the first description and illustration of the male and female genitalia of this species. Based on this study, this Brazilian species, previously placed in Molomea (Proconiini), is herein transferred to Versigonalia (Cicadellini). This transfer resulted in a secondary homonymy and its junior homonym from Argentina, Versigonalia vermiculata Young, 1977 is considered invalid. Thus, we propose a new name, V. lentiginosa nom. nov., for the latter. A taxonomic key to all three species of Versigonalia is also given.

A new genus and species of Cicadellini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

The Neotropical sharpshooter Parasubrasaca felixi, gen. nov., sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Atlantic Rainforest of Southeastern Brazil (state of Espírito Santo). The new genus can be distinguished from other members of the Cicadellini by several morphological features, including a unique modification of the basal portion of the aedeagus, which bears a conspicuous, ventrally directed projection that articulates with the connective. The projection bears a pair of strong spines directed posteriorly. In addition to the external morphology, color pattern, and male genitalia, the female genitalia of the new taxon are also described in detail. A discussion comparing the new genus with similar Neotropical taxa (Subrasaca Young, 1977, Soosiulus Young, 1977, Ramosulus Young, 1977, Geitogonalia Young, 1977, Ladoffa Young, 1977, and Scopogonalia Young, 1977) is provided.

A new genus and species of Cicadellini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

The Neotropical sharpshooter Parasubrasaca felixi, gen. nov., sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Atlantic Rainforest of Southeastern Brazil (state of Espírito Santo). The new genus can be distinguished from other members of the Cicadellini by several morphological features, including a unique modification of the basal portion of the aedeagus, which bears a conspicuous, ventrally directed projection that articulates with the connective. The projection bears a pair of strong spines directed posteriorly. In addition to the external morphology, color pattern, and male genitalia, the female genitalia of the new taxon are also described in detail. A discussion comparing the new genus with similar Neotropical taxa (Subrasaca Young, 1977, Soosiulus Young, 1977, Ramosulus Young, 1977, Geitogonalia Young, 1977, Ladoffa Young, 1977, and Scopogonalia Young, 1977) is provided.

A new genus and species of Cicadellini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

The Neotropical sharpshooter Parasubrasaca felixi, gen. nov., sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Atlantic Rainforest of Southeastern Brazil (state of Espírito Santo). The new genus can be distinguished from other members of the Cicadellini by several morphological features, including a unique modification of the basal portion of the aedeagus, which bears a conspicuous, ventrally directed projection that articulates with the connective. The projection bears a pair of strong spines directed posteriorly. In addition to the external morphology, color pattern, and male genitalia, the female genitalia of the new taxon are also described in detail. A discussion comparing the new genus with similar Neotropical taxa (Subrasaca Young, 1977, Soosiulus Young, 1977, Ramosulus Young, 1977, Geitogonalia Young, 1977, Ladoffa Young, 1977, and Scopogonalia Young, 1977) is provided.

A new genus and species of Cicadellini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

The Neotropical sharpshooter Parasubrasaca felixi, gen. nov., sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Atlantic Rainforest of Southeastern Brazil (state of Espírito Santo). The new genus can be distinguished from other members of the Cicadellini by several morphological features, including a unique modification of the basal portion of the aedeagus, which bears a conspicuous, ventrally directed projection that articulates with the connective. The projection bears a pair of strong spines directed posteriorly. In addition to the external morphology, color pattern, and male genitalia, the female genitalia of the new taxon are also described in detail. A discussion comparing the new genus with similar Neotropical taxa (Subrasaca Young, 1977, Soosiulus Young, 1977, Ramosulus Young, 1977, Geitogonalia Young, 1977, Ladoffa Young, 1977, and Scopogonalia Young, 1977) is provided.

A new genus and species of Cicadellini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

The Neotropical sharpshooter Parasubrasaca felixi, gen. nov., sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Atlantic Rainforest of Southeastern Brazil (state of Espírito Santo). The new genus can be distinguished from other members of the Cicadellini by several morphological features, including a unique modification of the basal portion of the aedeagus, which bears a conspicuous, ventrally directed projection that articulates with the connective. The projection bears a pair of strong spines directed posteriorly. In addition to the external morphology, color pattern, and male genitalia, the female genitalia of the new taxon are also described in detail. A discussion comparing the new genus with similar Neotropical taxa (Subrasaca Young, 1977, Soosiulus Young, 1977, Ramosulus Young, 1977, Geitogonalia Young, 1977, Ladoffa Young, 1977, and Scopogonalia Young, 1977) is provided.

Four species of the new Amazonian sharpshooter Daedaloscarta gen. nov. (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Four new species, Daedaloscarta erwini sp. nov. (Peru: Loreto), D. maculata sp. nov. (Brazil: Amazonas), D. mene sp. nov. (Ecuador: Orellana), and D. redacta sp. nov. (Brazil: Amazonas) are described and placed in the new genus Daedaloscarta gen. nov. Species of the new genus can be readily distinguished from other Cicadellini genera by their: (1) dark brown to black dorsal coloration with contrasting large ivory spots; (2) crown produced and round anteriorly (Figs 1-8); (3) pronotum narrower than transocular width of head, with lateral margins parallel; (4) male pygofer with pair of acute finger-like processes arising at dorsal margin directed inwardly and ventrally; (5) subgenital plates with apical two-thirds very slender; (6) aedeagus very large with shaft elongate, with an unpaired basidorsal, elongate bifurcate basiventral, and paired retrorse lateral processes at midlength of shaft; and (7) paraphyses bifurcate and slender. All known specimens are associated with terra firme or flooded Amazonian forests and were collected by light trapping or insecticidal fogging.

A new species of Tipuana (Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from the state of Amazonas, Brazil, with a key to males of the genus

A new species of Tipuana Melichar, 1926, T. similis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on specimens from the state of Amazonas, northern Brazil. The new taxon is externally very similar to T. chirensis Young, 1977. It can be distinguished from the latter and from the other known species of the genus mainly by the aedeagus with a triangular, posteriorly directed projection between the basidorsal apodemes, and with shaft not expanded apically and bearing two sharp, short apical processes curved dorsally. Diagnostic features of the new species are also found in the paraphysis, which is symmetrical, expanded towards the apex and with a round apical excavation. A key to the species of Tipuana (males) is added.

A new species of Tipuana (Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from the state of Amazonas, Brazil, with a key to males of the genus

A new species of Tipuana Melichar, 1926, T. similis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on specimens from the state of Amazonas, northern Brazil. The new taxon is externally very similar to T. chirensis Young, 1977. It can be distinguished from the latter and from the other known species of the genus mainly by the aedeagus with a triangular, posteriorly directed projection between the basidorsal apodemes, and with shaft not expanded apically and bearing two sharp, short apical processes curved dorsally. Diagnostic features of the new species are also found in the paraphysis, which is symmetrical, expanded towards the apex and with a round apical excavation. A key to the species of Tipuana (males) is added.