ARS | Publication request: SHARPSHOOTERS OF THE GENUS HOMALODISCA STÅL, 1869 (HEMIPTERA, CICADELLIDAE) IN BRAZIL: NOTES, NEW RECORDS, AND KEY TO SPECIES, AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MALE OF H. IGNOTA MELICHAR, 1924 AND A NEW NORTHEASTERN SPECIES

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2006
Publication Date: July 3, 2006
Citation: Takiya, D.M., Cavichioli, R.R., Mckamey, S.H. Sharpshooters of the genus Homalodisca Stål, 1869 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) in Brazil: notes, new records, and key to species, and descriptions of the male of H. ignota Melichar, 1924 and a new Northeastern species. Zootaxa. 1249:23-26.

Interpretive Summary: Sharpshooters are important insect carriers of Xylella fastiodiosa, a bacterium that causes devastating diseases of agronomic and horticultural crops, and ornamentals. These include Pierces disease of grapevines, almond leaf scorch, phony peach, plum leaf scald, oleander leaf scorch, citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), and leaf scorch diseases of oaks, maples and sycamores from the United States to Argentina. This research reports the discovery of a new species of sharpshooter in Brazilian orange groves with the citrus variegated chlorosis disease and a previously unknown male of another, closely related species. We provide the first taxonomic key to the Brazilian species of this insect group. These results will help researchers communicate about the sharpshooter pests in a consistent manner and provide critical identification aids to governmental (including APHIS), agricultural, and research workers.

Technical Abstract: A new species of Homalodisca, H. potti, implicated as a possible vector of Citrus Variegated Chlorosis disease, in described from Brazil. The previously unknown male of H. ignota Melichar and the first undistorted view of the female sternum, are described. A key, illustrations, new distribution records are provided for the four Homalodisca species now known to occur in Brazil.