Kinrentius Wei, Dietrich & Webb, 2010 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae): description of two new species and taxonomic key to the genus.

Two new species of the South American genus Kinrentius are described and illustrated. Kinrentius catuaba sp. nov. from Brazil (Acre, Amazonas and Rondnia states) can be distinguished by the male pygofer with multidentate anteroventral and posteroventral processes with short dentiform processes between them and aedeagus with dorsal projection forming a distinct process and apex with paired apical processes, each subrectangular, with apical margin irregularly serrated in caudal view. Kinrentius peruvianus sp. nov. from Peru (Cusco and Madre de Dios departments) has short male pygofer posteroventral processes and aedeagus more robust and parallel sided in dorsal view, with paired apical processes, each subquadrate, with apical portion weekly sclerotized, and apical margin approximately straight and slightly serrate in caudal view. A taxonomic key to males and a distribution map of all four species of the genus are provided.

Population genetics and genomics of Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in an area of high pressure of domiciliary infestation in Northeastern Brazil.

Understanding the population dynamics of vectors is crucial for effective control of vector-borne diseases. In the Northeastern Brazilian semi-arid region, Triatoma brasiliensis persists as the most significant Chagas disease vector, frequently displaying recurrent domiciliary infestations. This situation raises relevant public health concerns in the municipality of Currais Novos in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. This area has experienced a high prevalence of peridomiciliary re-infestations by T. brasiliensis, coupled with elevated rates of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Therefore, we assessed the distribution of genetic variation via mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene (MT-CYB) sequencing (n = 109) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, n = 86) to assess the gene flow among distinct populations distributed in varied geographic spots and environments, mainly sylvatic and peridomiciliary. Insects were collected from rural communities at Currais Novos, enclosed within a 16 km radius. Sampling included 13 populations: one intradomiciliary, eight peridomiciliary, and four sylvatic. Furthermore, an external population located 220 km from Currais Novos was also included in the study. The method employed to obtain SNP information relied on ddRAD-seq genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), enabling a genome-wide analysis to infer genetic variation. Through AMOVA analysis of MT-CYB gene variation, we identified four distinct population groups with statistical significance (FCT= 0.42; p<0.05). We identified a total of 3,013 SNPs through GBS, with 11 loci showing putative signs of being under selection. The variation based on 3,002 neutral loci evidenced low genetic structuration based on low FST values (p>0.05), indicating local panmixia. However, resampling algorithms pointed out that three samples from the external population were assigned (>98 %) in a cluster contrasting from the ones putatively under local panmixia - validating the newly applied genome-wide marker for studies on the population genetics at finer-scale resolution for T. brasiliensis. The presence of population structuring in some of the sampled points, as suggested by the mitochondrial marker, leads us to assume that infestations were probably initiated by small populations of females - demographic event poses a risk for rapid re-infestations. The local panmictic pattern revealed by the GBS marker poses a challenge for vector control measures, as re-infestation foci may be distributed over a wide geographical and ecological range. In such instances, vectors exhibit reduced susceptibility to conventional insecticide spraying operations since sylvatic populations are beyond the reach of these interventions. The pattern of infestation exhibited by T. brasiliensis necessitates integrating innovative strategies into the existing control framework, holding the potential to create a more resilient and adaptive vector control program. In our dataset, the results demonstrated that the genetic signals from both markers were complementary. Therefore, it is essential to consider the nature and inheritance pattern of each marker when inferring the pattern of re-infestations.

From molecules to ecosystems: Insights into a network of interactions for a Chagas disease outbreak using Triatoma brasiliensis as natural samplers.

Exploring the dynamics of disease transmission involves an understanding of complex interactions within the eco-epidemiologic framework. In the context of Chagas disease (CD), elements are mainly represented by the interactions among the pathogen, insect vector, host, humans and the environment. We performed quantitative and qualitative analyses on a dataset derived from 98 Triatoma brasiliensis infected by trypanosomatids, which were linked to a CD outbreak in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. We extracted invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) from these insects, comprising 18 populations around the outbreak area, each indicative of various strata of anthropogenic influence. Food source (FS) diversity, representing potential parasite reservoirs, was determined through mitochondrial gene (cyt b) sequencing of vertebrates, and parasite genotyping was accessed using fluorescent amplified fragment barcodes (FFLB) of trypanosomatids. We also assessed the residents' awareness of breeding sites for CD vectors in the inspected houses. The quantification of Trypanosoma cruzi was estimated via real-time PCR and is denominated here as the average parasite load (PL) per insect (T. cruzi/intestinal unit). We aimed to address vector-parasite-host-environment interactions that were discussed based on their significance among the components. Notably, among the significant interactions, we observed that the PL in the insects was significantly influenced by FS. Infected insects that fed on the classic reservoir, Didelphis albiventris, and Galea spixii exhibited higher PLs, compared to those that fed on Kerodon rupestris (p < 0.04)-a primary host. While D. albiventris is already recognized as a synanthropic species, we propose that G. spixii may also be undergoing a synanthropic process. Conversely, domestic cats are frequently identified as FS in infected insects from the sylvatic environment, suggesting a possible change in their behavior towards a wild state. Therefore, we propose that neglected anthropogenic actions have facilitated the reciprocal (sylvatic-peridomestic) circulation of T. cruzi-especially noted for TcI because it was predominant in insects found in peridomestic environments. Residents are often unaware of the existence of insect breeding grounds near their homes, particularly when it involves the storage of materials without planning for use, such as piles of tiles, bricks and wood. Although indirect inferences about the interaction among vector-parasite-host-environment are still incipient, we highlight the potential use of vectors as natural samplers of biological and ecological components in transmitting the disease.

On the sharpshooter genus Yunga Melichar, 1924 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae): descriptions of a new species from Panama and of the internal female terminalia of Y. cartwrighti Young, 1968 and Y. coriacea Stl, 1864.

Yunga Melichar, 1924, is a little-known genus that currently includes three valid species distributed in North America (Mexico), Central America (Costa Rica, Panama), and northern South America (Colombia). A new species of this genus, Y. andresi sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on a single male specimen collected in Bocas del Toro province, Panama. This species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the following combination of features: (1) apex of style curved inwards, hook-like; (2) aedeagal shaft with paired basal dorsolateral processes, spine-like and short, not extending beyond gonopore; (3) dorsoapical process robust, hook-shaped in lateral view, ending curved and acute; and 4) paraphyses paired, each robust and trifurcate with rami of unequal sizes and thickness. The female genitalia of Y. cartwrighti Young, 1968 and Y. coriacea Stl, 1864 are described and illustrated for the first time. Finally, a distribution map for the species of Yunga, as well as an updated key to species identification, are provided.

Review of the genus Papagona Ball, 1935 (Hemiptera: Caliscelidae) including a new Neotropical species.

Papagona Ball, 1935 was originally described based on two species from the USA (Arizona). Both species of Papagona (P. papoosa Ball, 1935, type species of genus, and P. succinea Ball, 1935) are redescribed herein based on type specimens, including their previously unknown internal male genitalia. A new species from Brazil (Roraima) is described herein including the male and female terminalia. A taxonomic key to all included species is provided and additional diagnostic characters for this genus are proposed.

Two new species of Balacha (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) from Brazil with comments on their phylogenetic position and biogeography.

The sharpshooter genus Balacha Melichar, 1926 has seven recognized species and is distributed in southern South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). Here, two new Brazilian species of this genus are described and illustrated, one (B. ancora sp. nov.) from Serra do Caraça and Serra do Cipó (Minas Gerais State) and another (B. nigroflava sp. nov.) from Ponta Grossa (Paraná State) and Passo Fundo (Rio Grande do Sul State). Based on 67 morphological characters, we carried out a parsimony analysis to estimate the phylogenetic position of the two new species. Using implied weighting in TNT, a single topology within Balacha was obtained with k values that varied from 1.599 to 7.412. In this topology, the two new taxa appeared within the clade of black Balacha species. A biogeographical analysis (S-DIVA) suggested that the ancestral area of distribution of Balacha was the Atlantic Forest domain. Balacha species were so far known to have only Eryngium (Apiaceae) species as host plants. Here we report a new host plant for the genus: B. ancora sp. nov. specimens were collected on Actinocephalus polyanthus (Eriocaulaceae). Balacha similis and B. rubripennis are newly recorded from Argentina and specimens of the latter have a very distinct color pattern from the typical Brazilian specimens. Finally, a key to species and maps showing the known distribution of the genus are given (several state records of species are also provided).

A new species of the sharpshooter genus Dasmeusa (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from Central Amazon

ABSTRACT A new species of the genus Dasmeusa Melichar, 1926 is described and illustrated from specimens collected in the State of Amazonas, Northern Brazil. Dasmeusa imperialis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the five known species of the genus, as well as from those of closely related genera, by the following combination of features: dorsum yellow with orange, preapical transverse irregular stripe on forewing; male pygofer moderately produced posteriorly, with posterior margin broadly rounded; style without preapical lobe, narrow and truncate apically; aedeagus with robust apical process directed ventrally, ventral margin of this process dentate; paraphyses with pair of dorsal dentiform projections on stalk, rami slender and directed posterodorsally; posterior margin of female sternite VII with small quadrate lobe; first ovipositor valvula with dentiform apex; second ovipositor valvula with apical third directed ventrally. This paper includes the first detailed description and illustrations of the female terminalia of a Dasmeusa species. In addition, the known geographic distribution of the genus is presented; D. pauperata (Fabricius, 1803) is newly recorded from the Brazilian states of Roraima, Amazonas, Pará, Sergipe, and Bahia; the records from the last two states are interesting because they are from areas of Atlantic Forest. Previously, the genus was known only from the Amazon Forest.

Contribution to the tribe Pentoffiini (Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) with descriptions of two new species and the male of Evanirvana aurea Hill, 1973.

Pentoffiini is a small tribe of Neotropical leafhoppers that includes two genera: Evanirvana Hill, 1973 with only one species, E. aurea, previously known only from females and Pentoffia Kramer, 1964 with seven species. Here, we describe the male of E. aurea, a new species of Evanirvana, E. tambopata sp. nov., from Peru, and a new species of Pentoffia, P. santosi sp. nov., from Peru. A revised diagnosis for Evanirvana and key to all known species of Pentoffiini are provided.

Juliaca Melichar, 1926 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini): description of a new species from Southeastern Brazil and redescriptions of J. sertigerula (Jacobi, 1905) and J. xanthogramma (Signoret, 1854) comb. nov.

A new species of the sharpshooter genus Juliaca Melichar, 1926, J. nigra sp. nov., from Southeastern Brazil (State of Espírito Santo) is described based on specimens collected on a coffee plantation. In addition, J. sertigerula (Jacobi, 1905), an Andean species, and Tettigonia xanthogramma Signoret, 1854, from Southeastern Brazil (states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro), are redescribed. The former species was not adequately illustrated and the latter was not treated in the most recent monograph on the Cicadellini. The identity of T. xanthogramma is elucidated and it is transferred to Juliaca (J. xanthogramma comb. nov.).

Descriptions of seven new Acrogonia species from South America (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Proconiini).

Seven new species of the economically important sharpshooter genus Acrogonia Stål are described and illustrated: A. falcata sp. nov. (French Guiana and state of Amazonas, Brazil), A. felixi sp. nov. (department of Loreto, Peru), A. quintasi sp. nov. (state of Pará, Brazil), A. distincta sp. nov. (state of Amazonas, Brazil), A. dentata sp. nov. (department of San Martin in Peru, French Guiana, and states of Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, and Rondônia in Brazil), A. luizi sp. nov. (province of Pastaza in Ecuador and state of Amazonas in Brazil), and A. lobulata sp. nov. (province of Orellana, Ecuador). In addition to the external morphology, color pattern, and male genitalia, detailed descriptions and illustrations of the female genitalia are provided for three of the new species (A. dentata, A. luizi, and A. lobulata). Females of the other four new species are unknown. Acrogonia includes now 39 species, being among the most species-rich genera of the Proconiini.

New World spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae: Ischnorhininae): Dated molecular phylogeny, classification, and evolution of aposematic coloration.

The spittlebug family Cercopidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadomorpha: Cercopoidea) is distributed worldwide, with highest species diversity in the tropics. Several included species are economically important pests of major agricultural crops and cultivated pasture grasses. Taxonomically, Cercopidae is divided into two subfamilies: the paraphyletic Old World Cercopinae and the monophyletic New World Ischnorhininae. Results are here presented from an investigation of phylogenetic relationships within Ischnorhininae based on DNA sequences from seven loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, Histone 2A, Histone 3, Wingless, Cytochrome Oxidase I, and Cytochrome Oxidase II) generated from exemplars of 119 spittlebug species. The resulting topology is used to test alternative higher-level classification hypotheses of Ischnorhininae and, with fossil-calibration, dates were estimated for major events in the evolutionary history of Cercopidae, including a much earlier divergence date (around 68-50 Mya) than previously reported in the literature. In addition, for the first time in Cercopidae, ancestral states of some predation avoidances strategies were reconstructed, with results suggesting an origin of aposematic coloration in the Cercopidae ancestor, with subsequent independent losses of aposematic coloration in multiple lineages.

Descriptions of eight new Acrogonia species from the Amazon region, including peculiar features of the female genitalia (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Proconiini).

Eight new species of the agriculturally important sharpshooter genus Acrogonia Stål, 1869 are described and illustrated from Brazil (one of them also recorded from Peru): A. amazonensis sp. nov. (state of Amazonas), A. clarae sp. nov. (states of Amazonas and Amapá), A. barbara sp. nov. (state of Mato Grosso), A. youngi sp. nov. (department of Madre de Dios in Peru and state of Acre), A. albertoi sp. nov. (state of Pará), A. tenuis sp. nov. (state of Mato Grosso), A. filiformis sp. nov. (states of Pará and Mato Grosso), and A. interrupta sp. nov. (state of Mato Grosso). In addition to the external morphology, color pattern and male genitalia, this paper includes detailed descriptions and illustrations of the female genitalia of three new species (A. barbara, A. filiformis and A. tenuis). The first ovipositor valvulae of A. tenuis are quite peculiar because they bear a large basal lobe and a projection on the median portion of the ventral margin, both displaying setae. Females of the other five new species are not known.

Combined phylogenetic and morphometric information to delimit and unify the Triatoma brasiliensis species complex and the Brasiliensis subcomplex.

"Triatoma brasiliensis species complex" was defined as a monophyletic group of the species: T. brasiliensis, T. juazeirensis, T. melanica, and T. sherlocki. An alternative grouping scheme proposed the concept of "Brasiliensis subcomplex" which included the former species together with T. melanocephala, T. petrocchiae, T. lenti, T. tibiamaculata, and T. vitticeps. To evaluate the relationship among these taxa we combined the results obtained with four mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, COI and Cytb, adding to 1811bp) and geometric morphometric analysis of wings and heads. Panstrongylus megistus was included in the analysis as it was previously found related to T. tibiamaculata, T. melanocephala and T. vitticeps. The results of both molecular and morphometric approaches clearly grouped the species analyzed into two monophyletic units, supported by both genetic and wing variability. The first one (G1) comprises the four species originally included in the T. brasiliensis species complex plus T. lenti and T. petrocchiae. The second group (G2) was composed by T. melanocephala, T. tibiamaculata and T. vitticeps, and remarkably, P. megistus if considering wing variability and phylogenetic results. Nevertheless, geometric morphometrics of heads provided a quantitative measurement that discriminates Panstrongylus from the Triatoma species based on the position of the antennal insertion relative to eyes, as it is used as the generic distinctive character. The discrepancy among approaches questions the validity of this character to define Panstrongylus genus. Independently of the chosen group definition -"T. brasiliensis species complex" or "Brasiliensis subcomplex"-we propose to delimit it to species of G1 that are all associated with the Caatinga biome in the Brazilian Northeast. G2 are the ones associated with the Atlantic Forest biome.

Timeless standards for species delimitation.

Recently a new species of bombyliid fly, Marleyimyia xylocopae, was described by Marshall & Evenhuis (2015) based on two photographs taken during fieldwork in the Republic of South Africa. This species has no preserved holotype. The paper generated some buzz, especially among dipterists, because in most cases photographs taken in the field provide insufficient information for properly diagnosing and documenting species of Diptera.

FOREWORD: EDITORS' INTRODUCTION.

Since its establishment ZOOTAXA has become not only a rapid journal for zoological systematics but also a respected forum for discussions of all taxonomic matters, and it has gradually attained a distinguished position among other zoological journals by its special issues. These collections of papers treat varied themes such as the Carl Linnaeus legacy (Zhang & Shear 2007, Minelli et al. 2008), cataloguing metazoan life (Zhang 2011, 2013), and promoting and discussing the future of taxonomic sciences, for example modification of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 2008). For these reasons we offer this special issue to celebrate the fruitful career of the eminent Brazilian researcher Dr. Angelo Barbosa Monteiro Machado ("Professor Angelo" to his friends and colleagues).

First record of Segonalia Young (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) from Brazil including the description of S. machadoi sp. nov.

Segonalia, a previously monotypic genus known from Bolivia, is newly recorded from Brazil and Paraguay based on specimens of S. steinbachi Young, 1977 from Minas Gerais State, Brazil and Paraguay and a new species from Piauí and Pará States, Brazil. Segonalia machadoi sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in CZMA: Brasil, Piauí State, Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, 04˚5'57"S, 41˚42'34"W 193 m a.s.l., 12.II.2013, D.M. Takiya leg.) can be distinguished from the type species by its body length and shape of the male pygofer apex and aedeagus. A diagnosis of Segonalia and comparative notes and illustrations of the type species are given.

Two new species of the sharpshooter genus Oragua Melichar, 1926 from Southeastern Brazil (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini).

Two very similar new species of Oragua Melichar, 1926, O. linnavuorii sp. nov. and O. flavolineata sp. nov., are described and illustrated from the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil (Mantiqueira mountain range). The new species share the presence of a large dentiform process located posteroventrally on the male pygofer, a unique feature within the genus. They can be distinguished from each other by the paraphyses with a pair of elongate, slender asymmetrical rami in O. linnavuorii and with two pairs of short, spiniform apical processes in O. flavolineata. The male of O. linnavuorii is macropterous but the female is submacropterous and thus smaller than the former when specimens are measured from the apex of the crown to the tips of the forewings at rest. The female of O. flavolineata is not known. Male holotypes are deposited in DZRJ. A key to males of the five Oragua species recorded from Southeastern Brazil is provided [O. maculifera Young, 1977, O. discoidula (Osborn, 1926), O. triplehorni Young, 1977, O. linnavuorii, and O. flavolineata]. The superficially similar genera Oragua and Aguana Melichar, 1926 are briefly compared.

Integrative taxonomy of Metrichia Ross (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae: Ochrotrichiinae) microcaddisflies from Brazil: descriptions of twenty new species.

Metrichia is assigned to the Ochrotrichiinae, a group of almost exclusively Neotropical microcaddisflies. Metrichia comprises over 100 described species and, despite its diversity, only one species has been described from Brazil so far. In this paper, we provide descriptions for 20 new species from 8 Brazilian states: M. acuminata sp. nov., M. azul sp. nov., M. bonita sp. nov., M. bracui sp. nov., M. caraca sp. nov., M. circuliforme sp. nov., M. curta sp. nov., M. farofa sp. nov., M. forceps sp. nov., M. formosinha sp. nov., M. goiana sp. nov., M. itabaiana sp. nov., M. longissima sp. nov., M. peluda sp. nov., M. rafaeli sp. nov., M. simples sp. nov., M. talhada sp. nov., M. tere sp. nov., M. ubajara sp. nov., and M. vulgaris sp. nov. DNA barcode sequences (577 bp of the mitochondrial gene COI) were generated for 13 of the new species and two previously known species of Metrichia resulting in 64 sequences. In addition, COI sequences were obtained for other genera of Ochrotrichiinae (Angrisanoia, Nothotrichia, Ochrotrichia, Ragatrichia, and Rhyacopsyche). DNA sequences and morphological data were integrated to evaluate species delimitations. K2P pairwise distances were calculated to generate a neighbor-joining tree. COI sequences also were submitted to ABGD and GMYC methods to assess 'potential species' delimitation. Analyses showed a conspicuous barcoding gap among Metrichia sequences (highest intraspecific divergence: 4.8%; lowest interspecific divergence: 12.6%). Molecular analyses also allowed the association of larvae and adults of Metrichia bonita sp. nov. from Mato Grosso do Sul, representing the first record of microcaddisfly larvae occurring in calcareous tufa (or travertine). ABGD results agreed with the morphological delimitation of Metrichia species, while GMYC estimated a slightly higher number of species, suggesting the division of two morphological species, each one into two potential species. Because this could be due to unbalanced sampling and the lack of morphological diagnostic characters, we have maintained these two species as undivided.