Species Siphanta similis Fletcher, 1985

Siphanta similis Fletcher, adult

© Copyright Murray Fletcher, Orange Agricultural Institute.

Museums

Regional Maps

• Siphanta similis Fletcher, M.J. 1985. Revision of the genus Siphanta Stål (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Flatidae). Australian Journal of Zoology Supplementary Series 110: 1-94 [17].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM T.9389 ♂ (coll.: 5.x.1962, T. Brooks), Brisbane, Queensland.

Introduction

This species is very similar to Siphanta hackeri Fletcher with both species occurring in SE Queensland and having an infuscation around the apex of the clavus. Examination of the male genitalia, particularly the structure of the aedeagus, is necessary to differentiate the species. Both were included in the acuta group by Fletcher (1985).

Distribution

States

Queensland

IBRA and IMCRA regions

IBRA

Qld: South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Ecological Descriptors

All stages: phloem feeder.

Diagnosis

acuta Group. Head produced medially in front of eyes so that frons apically convex and vertex at least half as long as wide. Frons with three short longitudinal indicated near apex. Tegmen triangular with apical angle rounded and sutural angle right-angled or acutely produced dorsally. M1+2 branched level with apex of clavus. Coloration green or grey-green, often fading to yellow in dried specimens. Males usually duller than females. Apex of head, apices of fore- and mid-tibiae and all tarsi and often lateral angles of frons marked with red. Tegmen with minute granulations in all cells leaving bare circular spot in centre of each cell. Costal margin pallid, then narrowly red around apical margin and claval margin to apex of clavus. Individuals may lack all red coloration and show other variation.
S. similis. Infuscation around apex of clavus. Tegminal granules concolorous with ground colour of tegmen. Head with vertex rounded apically, sometimes slightly angulate. Tegmen with apical angle rounded and sutural angle nearly rightangled. Male pygofer with elongate tapered process. Paramere elongate, somewhat pointed apically with recurved pointed process at about 2/3 length. Female second valvulae gap wide with valvulae converging apically, so gap is almost circular (Fletcher 1985).

ID Keys

Fletcher 1985: 4–6
Fletcher, M.J. (2005). Illustrated Key to the species of the genus Siphanta Stål (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Flatidae) http://www1.dpi.nsw.gov.au/keys/fulgor/flatid/siphanta/siph00.htm

Diagnosis References

Fletcher, M.J. 1985. Revision of the genus Siphanta Stål (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Flatidae). Australian Journal of Zoology Supplementary Series 110: 1-94 [17]

History of changes