A revision of the treehopper genus Bubalopa Stål illuminates the systematics of Hyphinoini (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Membracidae)

Abstract

Bubalopa Stål, 1869 (Darninae: Hyphinoini) is an obscure genus of treehoppers endemic to the Northern Andes. In this work, we reassess the taxonomic boundaries of Bubalopa based on primary types and comparative material. Newly reported characters from adults and nymphs expand the current concept of Hyphinoini, for which an amended diagnosis is presented. Identification keys, species redescriptions, illustrations, and distribution maps are provided for the three species that now constitute Bubalopa: B. furcata (Fairmaire, 1846), B. obscuricornis Stål, 1869 and B. iguaque sp. nov. (Cordillera Oriental, Colombia). Immatures of Hyphinoe obliqua (Walker, 1858) and B. furcata are described for the first time with notes on their life history. A nomenclatural change is proposed for Hyphinoe punctorum Buckton, 1903, previously included in Bubalopa, now considered to be a junior synonym of Eualthe punctum (Fairmaire, 1846). A lectotype is designated for Hemiptycha furcata Fairmaire, 1846, currently housed at the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien.