Richness of the nearctic treehopper fauna (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae and Membracidae)

Abstract

The indigenous Nearctic treehopper fauna includes 2 families, 6 subfamilies, 20 tribes, 68-72 genera, and 276-280 described species, of which 1 tribe, 16 genera, and 195 species are endemic. This work provides an alphabetical checklist of the species (with distributions as documented in the literature) as well as discussions and two tables summarizing the taxonomic and regional diversity of this rich, distinctive fauna. The tribes Smiliini and Telamonini (Membracidae: Smiliinae), which include many specialists on oaks (Quercus spp.), are the two most species-rich tribes. Maps of the Nearctic subregions document the species richness of each state and province, 22 of which have between 60 and 118 reported species. The Southwest U.S. has the largest number of genera of the subregions, while both the Southwest and the Central and Eastern U.S. are highly species rich. Arizona stands apart as an area of exceptional endemism with one genus and 25 species known only from within its borders. Among families of auchenorrhynchous Hemiptera, Membracidae rank third in total numbers of Nearctic species. This study highlights the need for: (1) improved taxonomic understanding, especially through comprehensive generic revisions; (2) further collecting to fill gaps in geographic sampling; and (3) the preservation of identifiable voucher material, with full data (including geo-cordinates and, where known, host plant data) to document all published research. Copyright © 2012 Magnolia Press.