Author
|
Submitted to: ZooKeys
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/22/2008 Publication Date: 10/31/2008 Citation: Mckamey, S.H. 2008. A new genus of Smiliini (Hemiptera: Membracidae) from Costa Rica. Zoo Keys. 3:51-55. Interpretive Summary: Treehopper insects can cause serious injury to crops, such as soybean, avocado, and citrus, through oviposition and feeding. Understanding the relationships among them is necessary to predict which species are potential pests. The present paper describes a new group with an unusual species from Costa Rica that may provide clues to the origin of a diverse assemblage prevalent in the United States. The information will be of use to those studying treehopper evolution and anyone who has to identify treehoppers. Technical Abstract: A new genus and species, Smilirhexia naranja, is described from Costa Rica, the southern limit of the tribe Smiliini, and represents a strong divergence from the morphology of the oak-feeding genera prevalent in North America. |
