Two new cryptic Leptophyes species from southern Italy (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)

Abstract

In this paper two new species of Leptophyes from southern Italy are described, L. calabra n. sp. and L. sicula n. sp.. Both species are similar to the common L. punctatissima and the recently described L. lisae from Greece, but can be identified by a combination of morphological and biacoustical characters. Descriptions of both species are provided and an illustrated key to the European species of Leptophyes is presented. These new findings are remarkable as the genus Leptophyes harbours only 15 species worldwide. This study suggests that the Leptophyes punctatissima - group in southern Europe is in need of a thorough survey. It is essential that bioacoustical information be involved in this study. © 2010 · Magnolia Press.