New leafhopper genera and species (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) which feed on Velloziaceae from Southern Africa, with a discussion of their trophobiosis

Abstract

Four new species in two new genera of leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) are described. All are associated with Xerophyta species (Velloziaceae, Pandanales), and are usually tended by ants. Observations and discussions of the ant associations are provided. The new leafhopper genera and species are: Xerophytavorus furcillatus gen.n &sp.n., from Malawi, and the following from South Africa, Xerophytavorus rastrullus gen.n &sp.n. (Opsiini), Xerophytacolus claviverpus gen.n &sp.n. and Xerophytacolus tubuverpus gen.n &sp.n. (Opsiini). Copyright © 2012 • Magnolia Press.