Species Budginmaya eulae Fletcher & Moir, 2009

Budginmaya eulae Fletcher & Moir, adult female.

© Copyright Melinda Moir, University of Melbourne.

Museums

Regional Maps

• Budginmaya eulae Fletcher, M.J. & Moir, M.L. 2009. Budginmaya eulae gen. et sp. nov., a myrmecophilous planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) from Western Australia. Australian Journal of Entomology 48(1): 36-39 [38].

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM 71229 ♂ (coll: M.L. Moir, 20.v.2007, in nest of Camponotus.), Bandalup Hill, Ravensthorpe Range, Western Australia [33°39'40"S 120°23'02"E].

Introduction

This small, semi-brachypterous flatid was found living in the nest of the ant Camponotus terebrans (Lowne) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). It was discovered by the second author in a single nest under a rock on Bandalup Hill, Western Australia and, when exposed, the planthoppers were herded deeper into the nest by the ants. Despite considerable searching in the area, no further specimens were found. The species has consequently been given Priority One Conservation Status by the Western Australian government. See http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/conservationtaxa for definitions. The species shows clear adaptations for subterranean life with reduction of eyes and wings, enlargement of the antennae and the presence of erect tactile setae on the face and body. Its drab brown colour and red eyes may also be an adaptation for underground life. The species was named "in honour of the first author’s mother, Eula Fletcher, whose encouragement of a fledgling interest in insects has led to a life-long passion for entomology" (Fletcher & Moir 2009).

Distribution

States

Western Australia

IBRA and IMCRA regions

IBRA

WA: Esperance Plains (ESP)

Ecological Descriptors

All stages: inquiline (host(s): Camponotus terebrans (Lowne, 1865) [FORMICIDAE]), phloem feeder.

Diagnosis

Length, ♂ (N = 1) 4.8 mm, ♀ (N = 1) 5 mm. Colour pale greyish brown, body and tegmina bearing clear crystalline deposit, eyes dark red. Male genitalia (abdomen lost after examination). Pygofer short with dorsal oblong process. Parameres long triangular with dorsal triangular process near base. Aedeagus narrow, dorsally mounted. Female genitalia. Anal segment enlarged to form flat vertical basal area. Ovipositor valves short, lobate. Final-instar nymphs. Pale golden yellow. Flattened, with short sensory hairs on entire body and legs, including around margins of wingbuds. Wingbuds each with 10 sensory pits (Fletcher & Moir 2009).

Diagnosis References

Fletcher, M.J. & Moir, M.L. 2009. Budginmaya eulae gen. et sp. nov., a myrmecophilous planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) from Western Australia. Australian Journal of Entomology 48(1): 36-39 [38]

History of changes