Tribe Plectoderini Fennah, 1950


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

This is by far the most species-rich and most commonly collected tribe of Australian Achilidae. Almost certainly, the number of described taxa in the tribe represents only a small proportion of the Australian fauna which are mainly dull brown or grey, often with whitish markings. A revision of the Australian Plectoderini is urgently needed.

 

Diagnosis

Vertex at least two-thirds as wide as pronotum, anterior margin convex or angulately produced at middle, tegmina shallowly rounded over dorsum and with membranous areas overlapping when folded, apical margin strongly convex, venation regular, Sc with anterior branch short, sometimes recurved, usually six subapical and eight or nine apical areoles; post-tibiae unispinose. (Fennah 1950)

re: Fore wing venation "All the Australian genera are very similar, differing principally in the relative proportions of the apical cells." (Kirkaldy 1906: 418)

The single hind tibial spine placed about one third distance from the base of the tibia is characteristic (Fletcher 2004) although this may be missing or obsolescent.

 

ID Keys

Fletcher, M.J. (2004). Illustrated key to the tribes of the family Achilidae found in Australia (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) http://www1.dpi.nsw.gov.au/keys/fulgor/achilidae/achilid00.htm

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [47]

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [418]

 

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Genus Argeleusa Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

A monotypic genus which will require examination of Kirkaldy's (1906) type material to determine its identity.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Allied to Francesca but with different head-form. Vertex longer than wide, distinctly produced in front of the eyes, rounded anteriorly. Frons elongate, lateral margins sinuate, concavely rounded basally, convexly rounded and widened apically; base narrow, obtuse-angulately emarginate. Tegminal veins, costal cell etc. granulate, veins thick and prominent. Tibiae obscurely spined near the base. (Kirkaldy 1906)

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 417; Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [423]

 

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Species Argeleusa kurandae Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

The identity of this species from Kuranda, N. Queensland, requires examination of the Kirkaldy (1906) type material. It is small and brown.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Pale olive brown, paler beneath. Vertex with four longitudinal blackish brown lines, frons and clypeus minutely mottled with brownish. Pronotum with a short blackish-brown line on each side of median keel and five spots of same color from thence to lateral margins. Scutellum between lateral keels minutely mottled with brownish, with four small, more or less distinctly ocellated spots, two anteriorly and two posteriorly. Tegmina hyaline, pale cinereous, veins pale brownish and white variegated, spotted with brownish especially on clavus, costal cell and apical parts. Anterior and intermediate legs banded with pale brown. Abdomen more or less dark brownish. Length: 5.5 mill. (Kirkaldy 1906)

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [423]

 

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Genus Aristyllis Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

A small genus of three species all recorded only from the type specimens collected in the wet tropics of North Queensland. Recognition of the genus is dependent on examining Kirkaldy's (1906) type material. Kirkaldy (1906) differentiates the species using colour.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Vertex slightly declivous, more or less confused with the frons; the lateral margins fork, about their middle, (as seen dorsally), the inner keels meeting at an angle on the anterior margin (as seen dorsally), carinate medianly, posterior margin emarginate angulately. Frons obsolescently carinate medianly, the apical half excavated horseshoe-shaped. Clypeus more strongly carinate medianly, carinate (as also frons) laterally. A white opaque band across face. Eyes large, each about as wide as vertex. Ocelli distinct. Pronotum short, wider than head, tricarinate. Scutellum tricarinate. Tegminal venation not granulate. Legs spineless, or with one spine. (Kirkaldy 1906)

In his key to genera of Achilidae, Kirkaldy (1906) indicates that the frons is strongly impressed transversely, not or very obsolescently carinate and with a transverse white band.

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 417; Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [418]

 

General References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [418]

 

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Species Aristyllis adippe Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Kirkaldy (1906) gives measurement of a male so this species should be identifiable using the male genitalia.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Pale ferruginous, base and middle of frons blackish brown, banded with white as in the preceding species. Sterna and legs pale. Abdomen more or less marked with black. Tegmina pale yellowish hyaline, veins mostly darker, costal cell dark apically. Structure of head similar to the type. Legs not spinose. Length (male) 5 1/8 mill. (Kirkaldy 1906)

Kirkaldy (1906) provides a key to the three species of Aristyllis and A. adippe is differentiated by the pale ferrugineous scutellum and the slight infuscation of the costal cell.

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 419

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [420]

 

General References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [420]

 

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Species Aristyllis aristyllis Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

As with other species in this genus, the identity of this species will require an examination of the original type material. It is unknown whether a male syntype is available. Kirkaldy (1906) gives two localities for the type series so there are at least two specimens.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Head gradually shading from brownish ferruginous at base of vertex (and also on apical half of clypeus) to black near apex of frons. Eyes and scutellum dark ferruginous. Anterior half of pronotum blackish, posterior half whitish. Sterna, rostrum and legs mostly testaceous, anterior femora black, the base and a band near the apex, pale. Abdomen mostly black. Tegmina subhyaline brownish-yellow, a tiny white speck about middle of commissure, the basal margin, a spot at base of costal cell, apical half of costal cell and a spot about the middle of the clavus, blackish, with a metallic-blue glint; some of the veins sanguinescent. Rostrum reaching just beyond posterior coxae. Apical angles of vertical disk acute. Tibiae spineless. Length: 4.5 mill to apex of abdomen; 5.75-6.5 to apex of tegmina. (Kirkaldy 1906)

Kirkaldy (1906) provides a key to species of Aristyllis and differentiates this species by the dark ferruginous scutellum and the presence of a dark bluish black spot near the apex of the costal cell.

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 419

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [419]

 

General References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [419]

 

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Species Aristyllis omphale Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

As with other species of the genus, examination of the original type material (which may be a single specimen) is required to establish its identity.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Differs from the typical species by being shorter and broader and differently coloured; vertex shorter.
Vertex, pronotum anteriorly in the middle, apex of clavus, pale ferruginous. Frons, clypeus, pronotum anterolaterally, anterior and posterior third of scutellum, sterna, abdomen, etc black or blackish. Middle third of scutellum bright ferruginous, posterior margin of pronotum testaceous. Tegmina hyaline, pale yellowish brown, basal margin narrowly, a spot near middle of costal area, and a stripe across the clavus (nearer apex than base), opaque white; apex of costal cell more or less sanguineous, a large metallic bluish-black spot just basal of this. Anterior legs and intermediate and posterior femora more or less black, anterior femora not pallidly banded posteriorly, intermediate and posterior tibiae and tarsi widely pallid, at least apically. Frons banded as in the type. Vertex shorter than in the type, the apical angle of the disk rectangular; rostrum reaching to apex of posterior coxae. Length: 4 mill to apex of abdomen; 5.5 to apex of tegmina.

In his key to the species of Aristyllis Kirkaldy (1906) differentiates this species by the scutellum being anteriorly black and by the white markings on the fore wing.

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 419

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [419]

 

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Genus Benella Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

This genus must be represented unrecognised in collections because it was described from the well collected Sydney region. A revision of the Plectoderini will provide better diagnoses for all the genera.

 

Distribution

States

New South Wales


IBRA

NSW: Sydney Basin (SB)

Diagnosis

"Characters of Aristyllis, but frons not excavated." (Kirkaldy 1906)

Kirkaldy's (1906) key to genera provides: "Tegmina smooth, not granulate; veins thin and prominent, not granulate. Face with two transverse white bands".

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 417; Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [420]

 

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Species Benella aliena Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

A small brownish achilid from the Sydney region although the presence of two transverse white bands on the face should aid its identification.

 

Distribution

States

New South Wales


IBRA

NSW: Sydney Basin (SB)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Pale ferrugineous, face with two transverse white bands. Pronotum testaceous; tegmina hyaline, costal cell more or less infuscate; veins more or less pale sanguineous. Legs etc, pale, anterior and intermediate tibiae annulate with dark brown. Abdomen dark brownish black, posterior margin of each segment narrowly pale. Posterior tibiae with a spine. Length: 3 mill to apex of abdomen; 4.75 to apex of tegmina. (Kirkaldy 1906)

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [420]

 

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Genus Cythna Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Another genus requiring an examination of original type material to establish its identity. Only a single species has been described.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Differs from the last [Argeleusa] by the head being scarcely if at all produced before the eyes. The lateral keels of the vertex fork just before their middle, the outer forks diverging a trifle, the inner rounding gradually and meeting the median keel at the apical margin. Frons nearly as broad apically as long, narrowing a little towards the base. Tegmina granulate, apical third more or less declivous. (Kirkaldy 1906)

In his key to genera of Achilidae, Kirkaldy (1906) uses the following features: Tegmina granulate on the costal cell and sparsely elsewhere, veins stout and prominent, granulate; frons not banded; head not or very slightly produced in front of the eyes; vertex distinctly angulately emarginate.

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 417; Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [423]

 

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Species Cythna laon Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Currently unidentifiable and requiring examination of the original type material. Kirkaldy (1906) had an additional specimen from Kuranda which he believed may have belonged to this species, which demonstrates that even Kirkaldy had difficulty recognising the species.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

More or less pale ferrugineo-testaceous, vertex and scutellum more or less blackish about the keels. Scutellum also suffused with dark brown. Tegmina subhyaline, cinereous, mottled and granulate with blackish brown. Length: 4.5-4.75 mm. (Kirkaldy 1906)
Additional specimen from Kuranda which Kirkaldy thought may have belonged to this species is 4.25 mm.

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [423]

 

General References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [424]

 

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Genus Deferunda Distant, 1912


Compiler and date details

28.07.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

 

Introduction

This genus is widespread from the Palaearctic region (Hungary) across the Oriental region to Japan and N. Queensland in Australia. Fennah (1950) synonymised generic names from several localities under this name. Only one species is known from Australia.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Distinguished from any of the other Australian genera, by the lateral keels of the frons meeting in an angle at the base, and the genae being subfoliaceous and dorsally prominent. General appearance of Phenelia, but the veins are strongly granulate, and the apical third of tegmen is more or less declivous. Posterior tibiae with a spine. (Kirkaldy 1906, of Majella)

The genus is readily distinguishable by the extreme foliation of the basal portion of the lateral carinae of the frons and by the tegminal venation (Fennah 1950)

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 417, as Majella; Fennah 1950: 47, as Deferunda

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [104]

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [421]

 

General References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [104]

 

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Species Deferunda majella (Kirkaldy, 1906)


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Generic Combinations

 

Introduction

A small, pale brown species which needs examination of the original type material for determination of its identity.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Pale cinereous or testaceous, a thin short dark brown line on vertex anteriorly on either side of median keel. Scutellum suffused with fulvescent, posterior part of keels pale yellowish. Tegminal veins mostly darker, thickly granulate all over, granules mostly pale; apex of clavus sanguineous with a large bluish-black spot; base of first apical cell sanguineous. Abdomen mostly brownish black. The lateral margins of the vertex converge slightly, but do not meet anteriorly. Frons posteriorly somewhat excavate, the lateral margins there being broad and subvertical. Length: (male) 4, (female) 4 7/8 - 5 mill. (Kirkaldy 1906)

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [421]

 

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Genus Eurynomeus Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

A genus of five species, two from Maluku in Indonesia, two from the western Pacific and one from N. Queensland. The Australian species was figured by Kirkaldy (1907) and E. granulatus Muir, from Samoa, was figured by Fennah (1950). Fennah's figures are more usable.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Head with eyes narrower than pronotum. Vertex not declivous, broader across base than longer in middle line (1.4:1), produced before eyes for about a fifth of their length, median carina present except at extreme apex, disk slightly depressed, anterior margin carinate, strongly convex, a more or less distinct carina on each side at level of anterior margin of eyes parallel to anterior margin of vertex, forming, except for a median interruption, two carinae between vertex and frons, lateral margins straight, diverging basad, posterior margin angulately excavate (about 120 degrees), frons moderately convex in profile, about as broad as long in middle line, widest part wider than base (1.6:1), basal margin truncate, median carina percurrent, lateral margins carinate, foliate laterad distally, convex, diverging to below level of antennae thence incurved to suture, disk of frons not impressed; clypeus about four-fifths of length of frons, medially and laterally carinate, rostrum with subapical segment about equal to apical, antennae subglobose, slightly sinken, ocelli touching eyes, eyes not or scarcely overlapping pronotum. Pronotum short, as long behind eyes as in middle line, anterior margin of disk convex-truncate, posterior margin angulately excavate (115 degrees), median carina present, an impression on disk on each side, lateral carinae of disk straight, each about twice as long as median carinae, attaining hind margin, pronotum laterad of disk not or scarcely inclined anteroventrally, ventral margin of lateral lobes oblique; mesonotum longer than vertex and pronotum together, tricarinate, pro-tibiae slightly longer than pro-femora with trochanters, post-tibiae with a single spine basad of middle. Tegmina fully three times as long as broad, costal margin slightly convex, sutural margin forming a re-entrant angle of 155 degrees at apex of clavus, Sc+R fork about level with Cu1 fork, both scarcely distad of union of claval veins, M forking at level of node, nine apical areoles distad of stigmal cell; clavus terminating distad of middle of tegmen. Wings with R two-branched, M two-branched, Cu1 three-branched. (Fennah 1950)

The genus is readily distinguishable by the shape of the frons, vertex, and pronotum, by the interrupted double carinae at the anterior margin of the vertex (though the anterior portions may be evanescent) and by the tegminal venation. (Fennah 1950)

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 417; Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [120]

 

General References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [121]

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1907. Leafhoppers — Supplement (Hemiptera). Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 3: 1-186

 

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Species Eurynomeus australiae Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

A small species, pale brown in colour, whose identity requires examination of the original type specimens from Cairns.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Stramineous; a line on either side of median keel of vertex and a rectangular spot on each side of frons at base, a spot on mesopleura externally, black, lateral margins of pronotum and scutellum brownish. Tegmina hyaline, costa, etc, colorless, most of the rest pale smoky, a spot at the exteroapical angle and two or three veins between it and the costal cell, brownish. Tergites sordid yellowish, more or less lined with orange. Length: 3 mill to apex of abdomen; 4.75 to apex of tegmina. (Kirkaldy 1906)

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [422]

 

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Genus Francesca Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Two species have been described, both from the wet tropics of N. Queensland. Their identities is uncertain and examination of the original type material will be required.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Distinguished by the somewhat deep, circular impression on the middle of the vertex. Vertex longer than wide, produced a little in front of the eyes, the lateal margins forking near apex, making the apical margins tridentate, the median angle being acute. Pronotum with an impressed point on each side of middle keel, almost rectangularly emarginate posteriorly. Scutellum diamond shaped, much longer than the other genera. (Kirkaldy 1906)

 

ID Keys

Kirkaldy 1906: 417; Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [424]

 

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Species Francesca saleminophila Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Larger (6 mm) than many other Australian Plectoderini, this species is dark brown but otherwise not well characterised in the literature. Examination of the original type material is required.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Sordid testaceous, frons laterally with a row of blackish brown spots. Posteriorly three-fifths of the disk of scutellum dark brown, lateral parts of scutellum (exterior to keels) with a large thin blackish brown subtriangular ocellus. Tegmina hyaline, thickly spotted and smudged with brownish cinereous; veins on apical third white. Legs pallid, anterior and intermediate tibiae annulate with black. Abdomen brown, posterior margin of each segment narrowly pallid-sanguineous. Length: 6 mill. (Kirkaldy 1906)

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [424]

 

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Species Francesca sparsa Jacobi, 1928


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

This species is larger (7–8 mm) than other Australian Plectoderini but still difficult to identify because the original description, in German, did not describe the male genitalia. The type series contains 10 specimens from Malanda, N. Queensland so presumably a male is available. Kirkaldy (1907) noted in his key to genera that, other than Aneipo, the species are all no longer than 7mm, a point corrected by Jacobi (1928) for this species. Kirkaldy's (1906) key is more accurate since Achilus is also greater than 7mm.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Körper scherbengelb mit schwarzbrauner Zeichnung. Stirn dunkelbraun, in der Apikalhälfte mit einem weisslichen Fleck auf dem Mittelkiel und mit zwei Paaren solcher neben ihm, Clipeus ebenso mit einem Paar Flecken und weisslicher Spitze; Stirnbasis und Scheitel sehr hell scherbengelb, auf letzterm ein basaler und je ein seitlicher Fleck dunkelbraun. Mesonotum zwischen Mittel- und Seitenkielen mit zwei hintereinanderliegenden schwarzbraunen Flecken von Halbkreisform; auch in den Seitenwinkeln solche Zeichnung. Beine mit graubraunen Binden. Hinterleib graubraun mit hellen Segmenträndern, Ränder der Pleurite rot. Deckflügel grauweiss mit reinweissen Adern, mit zahlreichen grossen und kleinen schwarzbraunen Flecken bedeckt; im Clavus sind zwei davon, in der Coriummitte einer under in der Hinterhälfte der Costalzelle mehrere grössere. Glügel rauchgrau mit schwarzen Adern, die vor dem Apikalrande in Weiss übergehen. Scheitel um de Hälfte länger als der Querdurchmesser der Augen, seine Spitze überragt merklich die Seitenränder der Stirn. Pronotum ohne die punktfömigen Eindrücke zu Seiten des (sehr hohen) Mittelkiels, die Kirkaldy (1906, p. 424) in der Gattungsdiagnose anführt. Der Satz «Scutellum diamond shaped, much longer than the(!) other genera» ist mir unverständlich, denn das Mesonotum hat die Form eines regelmässigen Rhombus und ist gar nicht ungewöhnlich lang. Die weitere Angabe unter (Kirkaldy 1907, p. 115) unter 1a «length not over 7 mm» wird besser gestrichen. Long. 7–8 mm. (Jacobi 1928)

 

Diagnosis References

Jacobi, A. 1928. Results of Dr E. Mjöberg's Swedish Scientific Expeditions to Australia 1910-1913. Rhynchota, Homoptera. 1. Fulgoridae und Cercopidae. Arkiv för Zoologi 19A(28): 1-50 [25]

 

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Genus Kurandella Fennah, 1950


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

In creating this genus, Fennah (1950) provided illustrations of the head, tegmen and female genitalia. The single included species is based on a single female specimen from Kuranda, N. Queensland.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Head with eyes distinctly narrower than pronotum. Vertex not or scarcely declivous, broader across base than long in middle line (1.2:1), produced before eyes for about half their length, median carina distinct only in basal half, disk depressed, anterior margin carinate, convex in an angle of about 120 degrees, lateral margins elevated, subfoliate, moderately diverging basad, posterior margin broadly concave; frons shallowly convex in profile, longer in middle line than broad (1.7:1), widest part wider than base (2.3:1), basal margin truncate or shallowly excavate, median carina distinct, percurrent, lateral margins convex, diverging to below level of antennae thence moderately incurved to suture, slightly foliate obliquely, disk of frons not depressed; clypeus short, about two-fifths length of frons, medially and laterally carinate, antennae subglobose, not sunk in a depression, ocelli very narrowly separated from eyes, eyes not excavate beneath, only slightly overlapping pronotum. Pronotum distinctly short, about as long behind eyes as in middle line, anterior margin of disk convex, posterior margin rectangulately excavate, median carina present, lateral carina obscure or obsolete, pronotum laterad of disk not inclined anteroventrally except where overlapped by eyes, two carinae between eye and tegula, ventral margin of lateral pronotal lobes angulate and oblique; mesonotum longer than vertex and pronotum combined, tricarinate; pro-tibiae equal to profemora with trochanters, post-tibiae with a single spine basad of middle. Tegmina nearly three times as long as broad, costal margin slightly convex, Sc+R fork about level with Cu1 fork and union of claval veins, M forked level with stigma; clavus terminating distad of middle. (Fennah 1950)

Kurandella is distinguished by characters of the frons, vertex and pronotum and by the tegminal venation. (Fennah 1950)

 

ID Keys

Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [106]

 

General References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [106]

 

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Species Kurandella nigromaculata Fennah, 1950


Compiler and date details

28.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

This small species may be identifiable by the dark spots on the head, thorax and tegmina but it is based on a single female specimen. Unless males can be matched with it, it might be difficult to definitively characterise the species.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Female: length, 3.8 mm; tegmen, 5.0 mm. Pale straw yellow; five spots on each lateral margin of frons, two spots above eyes, one below antennae, one above ocelli, one at apex of vertex, one at middle of each lateral margin, one in each depression of pronotum and on lateral lobes, six on disk of mesonotum, two on each tegula, piceous. Tegmina stramineous; four spots in costal cell, one in first subapical cell, one in each of cells M1, M2, M3+4 and a regularly spaced series along all veins of corium fuscous-piceous. Hind margin of pregenital plate transverse, slightly produced on each side of middle. Anal segment very short, apical margin convex, deeply notched medially. Subvaginal plate broad, weakly sclerotised in type specimen; ventral lobe of first valvulae with inner margin straight, directed caudad, other margin oblique; third valvulae broadly ovate in lateral view, membrance on posterior margin broader dorsally than ventrally. Bursa copulatrix uniformly covered with minute annular ornamentation, and furnished with a single sub-placoid spine directed posteriorly; a semicircular plate with a spine at entrance to bursa. (Fennah 1950)

 

ID Keys

Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [47]

 

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Genus Mahuna Distant, 1907


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

 

Introduction

A genus of four nominal species, all described from the wet tropics of N. Queensland. The species are small (4–8 mm) and mainly greenish white with various brown speckling. Fennah (1950) synonymised Tabiana Jacobi which included three species described by Jacobi (1928) but Fennah did not mention the new combinations created by his synonymy. It is possible that Mahuna conspersa has a synonym amongst Jacobi's three species.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Wet Tropics (WT) ; Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Head with eyes distinctly narrower than pronotum. Vertex not declivous, broader across base than long in middle line (1.7:1), produced before eyes for three-eights of their length, median carina present except at extreme apex, disk distinctly depressed, anterior margin carinate, forming an angle of 120º at apex, lateral margins carinate, straight, diverging basad, posterior margin excavate (about 130º), frons slightly convex in profile, longer in middle line than broad, widest part fully twice as wide as base, basal margin slightly excavate, median carina percurrent, lateral margins carinate, slightly foliate laterally, convex, diverging to below level of antennae thence incurved to suture, disk of frons not impressed; clypeus about two-thirds length of frons, medially and laterally carinate, rostrum with subapical segment shorter than apical, antennae subglobose, not sunk in a depression, ocelli separated from eyes, eyes not covering pronotum. Pronotum short, at least as long behind eyes as in middle line, anterior margin of disk convex-truncate, posterior margin angulately excavate (about 110º), median carina present, lateral carinae of disk convex, each three times as long as median carina, attaining hind margin, pronotum laterad of disk slightly inclined anteroventrally, ventral margins of lateral lobes oblique; mesonotum longer than vertex and pronotum together, tricarinate, pro-tibiae shorter than pro-femora with trochanters, post-tibiae with a single spine basad of middle. Tegmina three times as long as broad, costal margin slightly convex, sutural margin forming a re-entrant angle of 155º at apex of clavus, Sc+R fork almost level with Cu1 fork, both scarcely distad of union of claval veins, M forked level with node, nine apical areoles distad of stigmal cell; clavus terminating distad of middle of tegmen. Wings with R two-branched, M two-branched, Cu1 three-branched. (Fennah 1950)

Mahuna is distinguished by the shape of the vertex and pronotum and by the tegminal venation (Fennah 1950)

 

ID Keys

Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [115]

 

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Species Mahuna conspersa Distant, 1907


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Examination of the primary type material in the BMNH will be necessary to determine the identity of this species.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Body ochraceous or greenish ochraceous; legs paler, anterior and intermediate tibiae darkly annulated; tegmina creamy white, opaque, sprinkled with fuscous, more prominently spotted on costal and apical margins, two small piceous spots on claval margin, one near middle, the other at apex; wings very pale fuliginous. Long., excl. tegm., 5.5 mm; exp. tegm. 15 mm. (Distant 1907)

 

ID Keys

Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Distant, W.L. 1907. Rhynchotal Notes. xli. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 7 19: 277-295 [290]

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [47]

 

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Species Mahuna nebulosa (Jacobi, 1928)


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Generic Combinations

 

Introduction

Examination of the primary type material in NHRS is necessary to establish the identity of this species.

 

Distribution

IBRA

Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Wangen, Brust und Hinterleib schokoladenbraun, letztrer mit gelblichen Segmenträndern. Stirn, Scheitel, Pro- und Mesonotum rahmgelb, erstres ausserhalb der Seitenkiele mit je einem schokoladenbraunen Längsband, das sich auf das Mesonotum verlängert und dort hinten mit einer gabelförmigen Figur vereinigt ist. Deckflügel auf blass scherbengelbem Grunde noch viel dichter gefleckt als die erste Art [viridicans], besonders im Apikalteil verdunkelt, doch besteht die Zeichnung nur aus Flecken, nicht aus Querstrichen. Flügel aschgrau mit dunkeln Adern. Beine fast einfarbig. Stirn vos dem Clipeus nicht so ausladend wie bei T. viridicans, daher im Verhältnis zur Breite länger; Scheitel wie bei jener. Pronotum hinten stumpfwinklig ausgeschnitten, daher länger als bei jener Art. Dornen der Hinterschienen winzig klein. Flügelgeäder wie bei der typischen Art. Long. 5–5.6 mm. (Jacobi 1928)

 

Diagnosis References

Jacobi, A. 1928. Results of Dr E. Mjöberg's Swedish Scientific Expeditions to Australia 1910-1913. Rhynchota, Homoptera. 1. Fulgoridae und Cercopidae. Arkiv för Zoologi 19A(28): 1-50 [29]

 

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Species Mahuna obscura (Jacobi, 1928)


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Generic Combinations

 

Introduction

Determination of the identity of this species will require examination of the male syntype in NRS.

 

Distribution

IBRA

Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Stirn, Brust, Hinterleib schokoladenbraun; eine Punktreihe innerhalb der Seitenkiele der Stirn, zwei schmale Binden über diesen und eine breite über der Basis des Clipeus, Querbänder der Beine und feine Säume der Abdominalsternite elfenbeinweiss, Oberseite des Kopfes und der Nota elfenbeinweiss, Scheitel und Mesonotum gelegentlich mit verloschenen schwarzen Pünktchen. Deckflügel auf elfenbeinweissem Grunde dunkelbraun bezeichnet und zwar hauptsächlich durch eine sehr breite Querbinde von der Mitte, die aber von einigen reinweissen Randflecken durchbrochen wird, eine unregelmässige grobe Fleckung des Apikalteils, mehrere grössere Flecke in der Costalzelle und kleine Flecke auf den Aderzellen. Flügel graubraun mit dunkleren Adern. Stirn doppelt so long wie breit, apikad sehr verschmälert, Basis grade abgeschnitten. Scheitel verlängert und spitz zulaufend, Fläche nach dem Mittelkiel hin beiderseits sehr vertieft, hinten fast rechtwinklig ausgeschnitten; Prontoum hinten rechtwinklig ausgeschnitten. Alle vier mittlern Apikaladern vorn durch Queradern in gleicher Höhe begrenzt. Long. 5 mm. (Jacobi 1928)

 

Diagnosis References

Jacobi, A. 1928. Results of Dr E. Mjöberg's Swedish Scientific Expeditions to Australia 1910-1913. Rhynchota, Homoptera. 1. Fulgoridae und Cercopidae. Arkiv för Zoologi 19A(28): 1-50 [30]

 

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Species Mahuna viridicans (Jacobi, 1928)


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Generic Combinations

 

Introduction

Determination of the identity of this species requires examination of the primary type material in NRS. A male syntype is available for designation as a lectotype.

 

Distribution

IBRA

Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

History of changes

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Genus Phenelia Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Kirkaldy (1907) split the genus into two subgenera, one with a single Australian species and the other, Nephelia, with two species in Fiji. Fennah (1950) recognised Nephelia as a valid genus, leaving Phenelia as a monotypic Australian genus.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Head with eyes a little narrower than pronotum. Vertex not or scarcely declivous, broader across base than long in middle line (1.3:1), produced before eyes for about a third of their length, median carina percurrent, prominent, disk slightly depressed, anterior margin carinate, acutely convex, forming an angle of about 70º at apex, anterior margin of head shallowly convex or subtruncate, a distinct triangular areolet at each latero-apical angle of head, lateral margins carinate, diverging basad, posterior margin broadly concave; frons slightly convex in profile, longer in middle line than broad, widest part twice as wide as base, basal margin slightly concave, median carina percurrent, lateral margins carinate, very slightly foliate distally, straight or slightly convex to below level of antennae, thence moderately incurved to suture; clypeus three-quarters of length of frons, medially and laterally carinate, antennae subglobose, not sunk in a depression, ocelli scarcely separated from eyes, eyes slightly overlapping pronotum. Pronotum short, shorter behind eyes than in middle line, anterior margin of disk convex-truncate, posterior margin angulately excavate (about 110º), median carina distinct, lateral carinae straight or slightly sinuate, each 1.5 times as long as median carina, attaining hind margin, pronotum laterad of disk markedly inclined anteroventrally, a weak carina at lateral margin between eye and tegula, ventral margin of lateral pronotal lobes slightly oblique; mesonotum longer than vertex and pronotum combined, tricarinate, pro-tibiae subequal to pro-femora with trochanters, post-tibiae unarmed or with a minute single spine basad of middle. Tegmina about three times as long as broad, not granulate, costal margin slightly convex, sutural margin forming a re-entrant angle of about 155º at apex of clavus, Sc+R fork slightly distad of or about level with Cu1 fork, both nearly level with union of claval veins, M forked at level of node, eight areoles around apical margin distad of stigmal cell, three areoles markedly longer than broad, clavus terminating distad of middle of tegmen. (Fennah 1950)

 

ID Keys

Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [139]

 

General References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [140]

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1907. Leafhoppers — Supplement (Hemiptera). Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 3: 1-186 [117]

 

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Species Phenelia elidipteroides Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

A small dark species from N. Queensland. Examination of the type material in BPB will be required to establish its identity.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Head, pronotum, serna and legs, yellowish testaceous, a little browner on vertex. Scutellum dark ferruginous. Tegmina hyaline, tinged with cinereous; keels of scutellum and basal veins of tegmina more or less obscurely sanguineous, apical and subapical veins, apex of costal cell and the entire apical cell adjoining, bright sanguineous; the base of that apical cell, bluish black. Abdomen mostly black. Length: 2.5 mm to apex of abdomen, 4.5 to apex of tegmina. (Kirkaldy 1906)

Fennah (1950: 140) figured the head and pronotum in dorsal view.

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [140]

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [422]

 

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Genus Pyrrhyllis Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Pyrrhyllis contains two species, one described from Cairns and the other from Tasmania (with no further locality details). Both species have two distinctive white transverse bands on the face.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland, Tasmania


IBRA

Qld: South Eastern Queensland (SEQ) ; Qld, Tas: Ben Lomond (BEL), Flinders (FLI), King (KIN), Tasmanian Central Highlands (TCH), Tasmanian Northern Midlands (TNM), Tasmanian Northern Slopes (TNS), Tasmanian South East (TSE), Tasmanian Southern Ranges (TSR), Tasmanian West (TWE), Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

This genus is characterised by a very short vertex with the anterior margin evenly convex and by two distinct pale bands traversing the face.

Vertex broader than long (4:1), anterior margin shallowly convex, posterior margin shallowly excavate, disk declivous, depressed inside anterior margin, medially carinate except at apex, frons convex, as long in middle line as broad, median carina fine, absent at base, lateral margins gradually diverging to below level of antennae, foliately expanded laterally. Clypeus short, laterally carinate, median carina absent, rostrum with apical joint shorter than subapical, antennae sunk in a slight depression, but not roofed over above, subglobose, ocelli just touching eyes; eyes not overlapping pronotum so as almost to cover it, pronotum moderately short, lateral margin short, no carina between eye and tegula, ventral margins of lateral pronotal fields subangulately rounded and oblique; median carina one-third length of lateral discal carinae, latter straight or convex; mesonotum longer than vertex and pronotum together, distinctly tricarinate, tegula not carinate, pro-tibiae shorter than femora with trochanters, post-tibiae with a single spine basad of middle. Tegmina with Sc+R forking distad of fork of Cu1, Cs with two branches, R with two, M1 forked at level of nodal transverse line, clavus terminating at middle of tegmen. (Fennah 1950)

 

ID Keys

Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [54]

 

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Species Pyrrhyllis laevifrons (Walker, 1858)


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Generic Combinations

 

Introduction

Little is known of this species. Fennah (1950) provided illustrations of "Walker's holotype" but did not provide details of the specimen, nor comparison with Kirkaldy's P. pyrrhyllis.

 

Distribution

States

Tasmania


IBRA

Tas: Ben Lomond (BEL), Flinders (FLI), King (KIN), Tasmanian Central Highlands (TCH), Tasmanian Northern Midlands (TNM), Tasmanian Northern Slopes (TNS), Tasmanian South East (TSE), Tasmanian Southern Ranges (TSR), Tasmanian West (TWE)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Piceous. Head smooth, shining, not keeled nor with elevated borders; front longer than broad, with two pale yellow bands. Thorax with two pale yellow stripes. Abdomen reddish along each side and at the tipe beneath. Legs testaceous. Wings rather narrow; veins black. Fore wings brown; costa and interior border pale testaceous along more than half the length. Hind wings gray. Length of the body 2 lines; of the wings 5 lines. (Walker 1858)

 

Diagnosis References

Walker, F. 1858. Insecta Saundersiana: or characters of undescribed insects in the collection of William Wilson Saunders, Esq. London : British Museum pp. 1-117. [43]

 

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Species Pyrrhyllis pyrrhyllis Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Little is known of this small species. Examination of the type material in BPB will help establish its identity.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis

Pale yellowish testaceous, more or less pallidly infuscate. Scutellum infuscate between the keels. Abdomen mostly blackish. Tegmina hyaline, pale smoky, basal veins dark brownish, costa and apical veins sanguineous. Vertex rather obscurely keeled medianly. Length: 3 mill to apex of abdomen; 4.5 to apex of tegmina. (Kirkaldy 1906)

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [421]

 

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Genus Salemina Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Another unremarkable monotypic genus from far North Queensland which requires redescription based on the type material

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Diagnosis

Head with eyes markedly narrower than pronotum. Vertex weakly declivous, broader across base than long in middle line (1.4:1), produced before eyes for about two-fifths of their length, median carina present except at apex, elevated, disk slightly depressed, anterior margin carinate, elevated, forming an angle of 90º at apex, lateral margins carinate, strongly diverging basad, posterior margin angulately excavate (110º); frons slightly convex in profile, longer in middle line than broad (about 1.6:1), lateral margins carinate, gradually divergent to below level of antennae, thence incurved, median carina present throughout; clypeus tricarinate, three-quarters of length of frons; rostrum with subapical joint apparently equal to apical, antennae subglobose, not sunk in a depression, eyes not overlapping pronotum. Pronotum moderately short, as long behind eyes as in middle line, anterior margin of disk truncate-convex, posterior margin broadly angulately excavate, median carina present, lateral carinae of disk straight or slightly convex, each about 1.6 times as long as median carina, attaining hind margin, pronotum laterad of disk not or scarcely inclined anteroventrally; mesonotum longer than vertex and pronotum combined; distinctly tricarinate; post-tibiae with a single spine basad of middle. Tegmina about three times as long as broad, anterior margin slightly convex, commissural margin forming a re-entrant angle of about 160º at apex of clavus, Sc+R fork about level with Cu1 fork, veins prominent, nine apical areoles distad of stigma, short, three in R and M scarcely longer than wide; clavus terminating at middle of tegmen. (Fennah 1950)

The genus is known only from Queensland. Its affinities are uncertain, but would seem to lie with Mahuna Dist., from which it is separated by the proportions of the frons and pronotal disk. The tegminal venation, while not much dissimilar from that of Mahuna, would appear to be closest to that of Hamba perplexa Dist. (Fennah 1950)

 

ID Keys

Fennah 1950: 47

 

Diagnosis References

Fennah, R.G. 1950. A generic revision of the Achilidae (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 1(1): 1-170 [108]

 

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Species Salemina francescophila Kirkaldy, 1906


Compiler and date details

29.7.2010 - Murray J. Fletcher

 

Introduction

Examination of the original type material in BPB is necessary to establish the identity of this small brown species from N. Queensland.

 

Distribution

States

Queensland


IBRA

Qld: Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: phloem feeder.

Nymph: fungivore.

 

Diagnosis References

Kirkaldy, G.W. 1906. Leafhoppers and their natural enemies. Bulletin of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association Experimental Station Entomological Series 1(9): 271-479 [424]

 

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)
12-Aug-2010 12-Aug-2010 MODIFIED
21-Jul-2010 MODIFIED