The Spittlebug Mahanarva tristis as a Senior Synonymy of Four Neotropical Species of Mahanarva (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cercopidae), and Considerations About M. tristis Subspecies.

Mahanarva Distant, the neotropical spittlebug genus contains 48 species and many of them are only known from their original descriptions and one location. A group of species of this genus stand out due to their similarities and are studied here. Based on comparisons between 28 Mahanarva tristis (Fabricius) specimens and the original drawings of the other species, we demonstrate strong morphological similarities. Examinations of the tegmina showed a polymorphism with different dot and stripe patterns. Those patterns are not exclusive for one species and are found throughout the taxa. Again, studying the male genitals no species-specific characters can be found. Furthermore, differences of the parameres were explained by different angle positions of these genital plates which alter the resulting photos and drawings significantly. On the other hand, changes of the aedeagus can be explained due to its fragile structure and the resulting manipulations during handling. In addition, the overlapping known distribution of the taxa leads to the conclusion that the four species are in fact synonyms of M. tristis and that there is no evidence for the validity of the subspecies. We conclude that the New World spittlebug M. tristis is considered a senior synonym of Mahanarva fraseri (Distant) n. syn., Mahanarva mura (China & Myers) n. syn., Mahanarva raripila (Jacobi) n. syn., and Mahanarva trifissa (Jacobi) n. syn. Aside from that, there was no evidence for the validity of the M. tristis subspecies Mahanarva tristis guppyi (Urich) n. syn., Mahanarva tristis monagasi (Fennah) n. syn., Mahanarva tristis quadrimaculata (Fennah) n. syn., Mahanarva tristis suffusa (Walker) n. syn., and Mahanarva tristis walkeri (Lallemand) n. syn. Unfortunately, it was not possible to conclude the taxonomic state of Mahanarva tristis stalii (Lallemand) because there are no known specimens or types available. So, the subspecies is considered a species inquirenda.

Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae) from southern Brazil, including chromosome complement.

New species of Pseudoscopas (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae). Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. from São Francisco de Paula, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is described, and a key to the species of Pseudoscopas Hebard, 1931 is added. Morphological descriptions are provided together with illustrations emphasizing the most significant diagnostic features of external morphology and male genitalia. Pseudoscopas carbonelli n. sp. differs from the other species known by epiproct with six protuberances in the median region, and extremities of the apical region of the epiproct sclerotized, as well as the lophi with sclerotization. Chromosome analyses were performed using standard staining procedures, showing diploid number of 2n = 23, X0♂/24, XX♀, and the karyotype made up of exclusively acrocentric chromosomes, including a medium-size megameric chromosome. Information is given about type specimens, material examined and geographic distribution.

First Occurrence and Population Dynamics of Blissus pulchellus (Hemiptera: Blissidae) in Brazil: a new pest of pastures in Roraima

ABSTRACT Cattle production is one of the main economic activities in the state of Roraima, and insect pest attacks in pastures have a negative effect on this sector in the region. Little is known about the species that cause damage to forage fields in the state. This study presents the first report of the occurrence of the chinch bug Blissus pulchellus Montandon (Hemiptera: Blissidae) in Roraima, Brazil and a description of the population dynamics of this pest in pasture areas in this state. Pasture areas were sampled in nine municipalities of Roraima to detect the insect. The population dynamics study was conducted for two years in Alto Alegre municipality, two of which have Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu and one of Megathrysus maximus cv. Mombaça (Poaceae) crops. Blissus pulchellus was found in all sampled areas, except in Rorainópolis and São João da Baliza. High densities of this bug were found in in Alto Alegre. This is the first report of B. pulchellus in Brazil. The factors that affect the population dynamics and the damage caused by this insect pest to pastures as well as the risk of dispersal of this pest in Brazil are discussed.

Revision of the South American genus Xiphiola Bolívar, 1896 (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Ommatolampidinae: Abracrini).

The Neotropical genus Xiphiola Bolívar, 1896 is revised. It includes two valid species: Xiphiola borellii Giglio-Tos, 1900 and Xiphiola cyanoptera (Gerstaecker, 1889). The genus and the species are redescribed and diagnostic characters are provided along with illustrations of each species. A lectotype and paralectoype for X. cyanoptera are here designated. We also include new morphological characters from male and female genitalia, and external characters that have not been employed until now. We present the distribution map based on material examined, as well as a key to species.

A new spittlebug species of Deois (Pandysia) (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Ischnorhininae) with a key to species of the subgenus

ABSTRACT Deois (Pandysia) paschoali sp. nov. from southern Brazil is described and illustrated. This species can be distinguished from other congeners by the following characters: aedeagus with dorsal margin serrate and paramere with a truncate and serrate spine. A key to species of Pandysia is provided.

Revision of Urubaxia Fennah (Hemiptera: Cercopidae: Ischnorhininae) with description of two new species.

We reviewed Urubaxia Fennah, 1968 and described two new species, Urubaxia solo n.sp. and Urubaxia chewie n.sp. from South America. Species of the genus can be easily distinguished by the shape of the paramere, with two divergent processes, and are usually collected in high altitude zones. An identification key and illustrations are provided.

Two new species of the Neotropical spittlebug genus Monecphora Amyot & Serville (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) with key and notes of species of the genus.

Two new species of the Neotropical spittlebug genus Monecphora Amyot & Serville are described: Monecphora machadoi sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in NMW: Brazil, "Natterer") and Monecphora broomfieldi sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in BMNH: Costa Rica, Turrialba, 3-8.VII.1981, W.R. Dolling leg.) and a key and notes to species of the genus are provided. Lectotypes are designated for Tomaspis fryi Distant, Monecphora nigritarsis Stål, and Monecphora semilutea Stål. In addition, two corrections are made to the Cercopid Spittlebugs of the New World (Carvalho & Webb 2005) with respect to figures 70-73 and 193-194 (see Corrigenda).

Primeiro registro das espécies de cigarrinhas-da-raiz da cana-de-açúcar Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) e Mahanarva liturata (Le Peletier & Serville) atacando canaviais na região de Goianésia (GO), Brasil / First record of the sugarcane froghoppers Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) and Mahanarva liturata (Le Peletier & Serville) infesting sugarcane plantations in the region of Goianésia (GO), Brazil

As formas jovens da cigarrinha-da-raiz da cana-de-açúcar sugam as raízes, e os adultos sugam as folhas e injetam toxinas, causando necrose nos tecidos foliares. A espécie de cigarrinha mais citada em trabalhos científicos é a Mahanarva fimbriolata. Adultos de cigarrinha foram coletados em canaviais da Usina Jalles Machado, em Goianésia (GO). Estes foram montados, identificados e depositados na coleção da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). A identificação foi feita pela genitália. Constatou-se tratar de Mahanarva spectabilis e Mahanarva liturata, consistindo-se no primeiro registro das espécies de cigarrinhas-da-raiz atacando os canaviais em Goianésia; no local, pensava-se que existia somente a espécie M. fimbriolata.(AU)

The young forms of the sugarcane froghopper suck the roots, and the adults suck the sap from leaves and inject toxins, thus causing necrosis in leaf tissues. The most cited species of sugarcane froghopper in scientific papers is Mahanarva fimbriolata. Adults of the froghopper were collected in sugarcane plant Jalles Machado, in Goianésia (GO). These have been put together, identified and deposited in the collection of Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Identification was conducted by the genitalia. We found there were Mahanarva spectabilis and Mahanarva liturata, consisting of the first record of this species of froghopper attacking sugarcane fields in Goianésia; in this place, only the species M. fimbriolata was considered to exist.(AU)

Descriptions of two new species of Sphenorhina (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Tomaspidinae) from the Neotropical region

Description of two new species of Sphenorhina (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Tomaspidinae) from the Neotropical region. Two new species of Sphenorhina Amyot & Serville, S. pseudoboliviana SP. NOV: from Bolivia and S. plata SP. NOV: from Argentina are described and illustrated.

Stigmaeid mites (Acari: Stigmaeidae) from vineyards in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The fauna of the family Stigmaeidae Oudemans on grapevines and weed plants associated with vineyard agroecosystem in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) was studied. Five recognized species were reported: Agistemus brasiliensis Matioli et al., 2002, Agistemus floridanus Gonzales, 1965, Agistemus mendozensis Simons, 1967, Zetzellia agistzellia Hernandes and Feres, 2005, and Zetzellia malvinae Matioli et al., 2002. Two new species were described: Agistemus riograndensis sp. nov. and Zetzellia ampelae sp. nov. A pictorial key was compiled to aid in the recognition of these stigmaeids.

Revisão taxonômica de Kanaima Distant (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Ischnorhininae) / Taxonomic revision of Kanaima Distant (Hemiptera, Cercopidae, Ischnorhininae)

Kanaima Distant, 1909 é revisado, sendo suas espécies descritas e redefinidas. Este trabalho ressalta os caracteres taxonomicamente importantes das espécies de Kanaima, como os da morfologia externa e da genitália. Quatro espécies são reconhecidas como válidas: K. katzensteinii (Berg, 1879), K. fluvialis (Lallemand, 1924), K. fusca (Lallemand, 1927) comb. nov., e K. nigra sp. nov. (Brasil, RS). Os nomes Monecphora fluvialis var. lateralis Lallemand, 1924 e Monecphora fluvialis var. bipunctata Lallemand, 1924 são sinonimizados sob Kanaima fluvialis. Quatro espécies incluídas em Kanaima são transferidas para Mahanarva: M. (Ipiranga) vittata (Walker, 1851) comb. nov., M. (Ipiranga) fortunata (Lallemand, 1924) comb. nov., M. (Mahanarva) radiata (Walker, 1851) comb. nov. e M. (Mahanarva) dubia (Stancik & Cavichioli, 2003) comb. nov. Pachypterinella Lallemand, 1927 sin. nov.

Kanaima Distant, 1909 is revised; the species are described and redefined. This work presents characteristics of the species of Kanaima, important characters of the external morphology and the genitalia. Four species are recognized as valid: K. katzensteinii (Berg, 1879), K. fluvialis (Lallemand, 1924), K. fusca (Lallemand, 1927) n. comb., and K. nigra n. sp. (Brasil, RS). The names Monecphora fluvialis var. lateralis Lallemand, 1924 and Monecphora fluvialis var. bipunctata Lallemand, 1924 are synonymized under Kanaima fluvialis. Four species enclosed in Kanaima are transferred to Mahanarva: M. (Ipiranga) vittata (Walker, 1851) n. comb., M. (Ipiranga) fortunata (Lallemand, 1924) n. comb., M. (Mahanarva) radiata (Walker, 1851) n. comb. and M. (Mahanarva) dubia (Stancik & Cavichioli, 2003) n. comb. Pachypterinella Lallemand, 1927 n. syn.

Revisão dos gêneros Sitalces, Eusitalces e Parasitalces (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Abracrini) e descrição de três novos gêneros / Revision of the genera Sitalces, Eusitalces and Parasitalces (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Abracrini) and description of three new genera

Revisão dos gêneros Sitalces, Eusitalces e Parasitalces (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Abracrini) e descrição de três novos gêneros. Os gêneros sulamericanos de Abracrini Sitalces Stål, 1878, Eusitalces Bruner, 1911, Parasitalces Bruner, 1911, Liebermannacris gen. nov., Robustusacris gen. nov., e Arimacris gen. nov. são revisados, descritos, redescritos e redefinidos. Quatro espécies são novas combinações: Liebermannacris dorsualis (Giglio-Tos, 1898) comb. nov., Liebermannacris punctifrons (Stål,1878) comb. nov., Robustusacris balzapambae (Rehn, 1913) comb. nov., e Arimacris trinitatis (Bruner, 1906) comb. nov., todas removidas de Sitalces Stål, 1878. Nove espécies são novos sinônimos: Sitalces robustus Bruner, 1908 (de S. volxemi Stål, 1878); S. infuscatus Bruner, 1908, S. nudus Bruner, 1908, S. ovatipennis Bruner, 1908, S. madeirensis Rehn, 1916 (de Liebermannacris dorsualis (Giglio-Tos, 1898); S. rubripes Hebard, 1924 (de Robustusacris balzapambae (Rehn, 1913); E. amazonicus Günther, 1940 e S. apolinari Hebard, 1923 (de Eusitalces vittatus Bruner, 1911); E. rubripes Günther, 1940 (de P. vulneratus (Bruner,1919)). Lectótipos e paralectótipos são designados. São fornecidas chaves para identificação, medidas, mapa de distribuição geográfica e ilustrações dos gêneros e espécies.

Revision of the genera Sitalces, Eusitalces and Parasitalces (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Abracrini) and description of three new genera. The South American Abracrini genera Sitalces Stål, 1878, Eusitalces Bruner, 1911, Parasitalces Bruner, 1911, Liebermannacris gen. nov., Robustusacris gen. nov., and Arimacris gen. nov. are reviewed, described, redescribed and redefined. Four species are new combinations: Liebermannacris dorsualis (Giglio-Tos, 1898) comb. nov., Liebermannacris punctifrons (Stål,1878) comb. nov., Arimacris trinitatis (Bruner, 1906) comb. nov., and Robustusacris balzapambae (Rehn, 1913) comb. nov., all removed of Sitalces Stål, 1878. Nine species are new synonymous: Sitalces robustus Bruner, 1908 (of S. volxemi Stål, 1878); S. infuscatus Bruner, 1908; S. nudus Bruner, 1908; S. ovatipennis Bruner, 1908; S. madeirensis Rehn, 1916 (of Liebermannacris dorsualis (Giglio-Tos, 1898); S. rubripes Hebard, 1924 (of Robustusacris balzapambae (Rehn, 1913); E. amazonicus Günther, 1940 and S. apolinari Hebard, 1923 (of Eusitalces vittatus Bruner, 1911); E. rubripes Günther, 1940 (of P. vulneratus (Bruner, 1919)). Lectotypes and paralectotypes are designated. Keys to identification of the genera and species, measurements, map of the geographical distribution and illustrations are added.

Salvadoracris e Caruaruacris, novos gêneros de gafanhotos sul-americanos (Orthoptera, Acrididae) / Salvadoracris and Caruaruacris, new South American genera of grasshopper (Orthoptera, Acrididae)

Salvadoracris gen. nov. com S. nigritus sp. nov. (espécie-tipo), do Peru (Cuzco) e Caruaruacris gen. nov. com C. bivittatus sp. nov. (espécie-tipo), do Brasil, Pernambuco, são descritos e ilustrados.

Descrições das fêmeas de Gypona gilba DeLong & Martinson, 1972 e de Reticana vittata Azevedo-Filho & Carvalho, 2000 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Gyponinae) / Descriptions of the females of Gypona gilba DeLong & Martinson, 1972 and of Reticana vittata Azevedo-Filho & Carvalho, 2000 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Gyponinae)

The females of Gypona gilba and Reticana vittata are described and illustrated based on specimens from Rio Grandedo Sul, Brazil

Análise de parcimônia de endemismo de cercopídeos neotropicais (Hemiptera, Cercopidae) / Parsimony analysis of endemicity of Neotropical spittlebugs (Hemiptera, Cercopidae)

The spittlebugs have an extent distribution in the American continent. Their diversity may determinate endemism areas based on their occurence in different localities. We have used Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity method, which is an important historic biogeography tool for detecting and establishing the relationship among endemics areas. A data matrix was built up based on the occurence registration for the species by 66 genus in whole localities divided in five degrees quadrats in the Neotropical Region, using 49 OGUs (Operative Geografic Units). The presence of the taxa in the areas was coded 1 and the absence 0. The data matrix was analysed based on parsimony analysis through the computer program Hennig 86. Nine endemic areas were stipulated (Mexico + Central America, Venezuelan Savana, Guiana + Suriname, Chaco, Trans-andean, Cerrado, Amazon, Pampa and Atlantic Forest) in the first analysis corroborated with ecological and physiographic patterns in each region. The second analysis was made using 48 genera to obtain the relationship among the nine areas stipulated before. In this analysis just one cladogram (3((1,2)((8,9)(6(7(4,5)))))) was obtained with 192 steps, consistence index 0.80 and retention index 0.85.