Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

<i>Kyphocotis tessellata</i> Kirkaldy, type species of <i>Kyphocotis</i> Kirkaldy.

Kyphocotis tessellata Kirkaldy, type species of Kyphocotis Kirkaldy.

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Regional Maps

Genus Kyphocotis Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

22 November 2011 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

An endemic genus of four medium-sized stenocotines, primarily restricted to tropical parts of Australia. Evans (1966) suggested that the four species might represent different forms of a single highly variable species but chose to retain them as separate and provided a key for their separation. Examination of the male genitalia and DNA sequences may reveal whether all four are valid.

 

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia


Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.


IBRA and IMCRA regions (map not available)

IBRA

NT, Qld, WA: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Dampierland (DL), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Pine Creek (PCK), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victoria Bonaparte (VB), Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Closely allied to Stenocotis but the posterior three-fifths of the scutellum are elevated in a narrow, acute crest, which in profile is more or less rounded (Kirkaldy 1906).

♀. The head ventrally is flat anteriorly and the maxillary plates extend alongside but not beyond the clypeus. The antennal ledges are distinct and terminate at the frontal sutures. The hind margin of the frons, which is barely perceptible, lies well forward of the apex of the head and the vertex has a slight median longitudinal ridge. The crown of the head is of even width throughout and the eyes are prominent. The pronotum is raised posteriorly and the posterior half is transversely striated, the postero-lateral angles are raised into one or two short rounded ridges. The scutellum which is transversely striated, is flat, or raised posteriorly into a hump of variable elevation. The tegmina which are rounded apically and have the veins raised in relief, are an opaque brown or grey. The hind tibiae have three rows of small spines and a row of five flattened spurs. ♂ seven tenths the length of the ♀. The tegmina are largely transparent and narrow apically (Evans 1937).

 

ID Keys

Fletcher, M.J. (2003) Illustrated Key to the Genera of the Tribe Stenocotini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Tartessinae) http://www1.dpi.nsw.gov.au/keys/leafhop/tartessinae/sten00.htm [accessed 22.xi.2011]

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
20-Sep-2011 20-Sep-2011 MOVED
12-Feb-2010 (import)