taxonID	type	description	language	source
864E3279FFFDFFEEFF28FF0CFE4CFE3F.taxon	description	(Figs. 1 – 19, 22, 24) First stadium nymph (Figs. 1 – 3) Total length 2.14 – 2.56 mm (see Table 1 for additional measurements). Head (Figs. 1 – 3), in dorsal view, strongly produced anteriorly; median length of crown approximately equal to interocular width. Crown (Fig. 1) without any kind of apical projection; anterior margin truncate, without carina at transition to face (Fig. 2); surface without conspicuous sculpturing or long setae, mostly smooth. Antennal ledges (Figs. 1 – 3), in dorsal view, slightly protuberant; antennae with well-developed scape, pedicel, and flagellum. Compound eyes (Figs. 1 – 3), in dorsal view, well developed, oval, longer than wide, their length varying from 0.23 to 0.32 mm. Ocelli absent; future ocellar positions on crown poorly defined. Frons (Figs. 2, 3), in ventral view, subtriangular, swollen; cibarial muscle impressions distinct; surface mostly smooth, except at areas of cibarial muscle impressions. Lorum smooth, its main portion located laterally to clypeus, approximately semicircular. Gena (Fig. 2) smooth, located next to loral and frontogenal sutures and fused inferiorly with maxillary plate, extended upwards around posterior margin of compound eye. Epistomal suture inconspicuous. Clypeus (Fig. 2), in lateral view, continuing profile of frons; surface smooth; lateral margins slightly rounded and apex convex. Labrum (Fig. 2) flat, small, covering base of labium, narrow and triangular. Labium connected basally to cervical membrane, tube-like, three-segmented, extending as far posteriorly as insertion of middle legs. Thorax (Figs. 1 – 3). Pronotum (Fig. 1), in dorsal view, subrectangular, distinctly wider than long, maximum width less than transocular width of head; anterior margin slightly produced anteriorly; lateral margins distinctly convergent anteriorly, with posterior portion narrowly rounded and slightly produced lateroposteriorly; posterior margin slightly concave, almost rectilinear. Pronotum, mesonotum, and metanotum (Fig. 1) with smooth surface, each usually with an isolated seta more distinct than others (see Fig. 5, second stadium) at posterolateral portion. Wing pads indistinct. Mesonotum with posterior margin concave on each side of median convex portion; metanotum with posterior margin concave. Hind tibiae (Figs. 1 – 3) with four longitudinal rows of setae – AD, PD, AV, PV (see Fig. 7, second stadium). Abdomen (Figs. 1 – 3). In dorsal view, with seven visible segments plus the future pygofer (tergite of segment IX); anal tube not visible. Abdomen broad basally, gradually tapering posteriorly; first two segments reduced in comparison to others. Dorsal surface with small setae forming transverse row on posterior portion of segments, absent at median longitudinal line; few additional scattered setae also present. Segment IX (Figs. 1 – 3) with small setae. The sexes cannot be differentiated in this stadium based on the external morphology. Color (Figs. 1 – 3) – specimens in 92.8 % ethanol. Ground color of body predominantly pale yellow. Crown with extensive brown markings. Frons with diffuse brown pigmentation located mainly on areas of muscle impressions. Clypeus suffused with brown ventrally. Labium mostly brown. Compound eyes dark brown. Thorax with irregular brown spots; metanotum with pair of brown transverse marks along posterior margin. Legs mainly pale yellow with brown markings. Abdomen with pair of brown transverse spots along posterior margins of tergites II – VIII; lateral areas of tergites may present diffuse brown markings. Second stadium nymph (Figs. 4 – 8) Total length 3.20 – 3.92 mm (see Table 1 for additional measurements). Head (Figs. 4, 6, 8). Most characters as in first stadium. Anterior margin truncate medially. Length of compound eye varying from 0.36 to 0.40 mm. Thorax (Figs. 4 – 8). Pronotum, mesonotum, and metanotum (Fig. 4) much as in first stadium, each one of them may present an isolated seta more distinct than others (Fig. 5) on posterolateral portions; posterolateral angles of mesonotum projected posteriorly, partially covering metanotum; wing pads not clearly differentiated. Other thoracic features as described above for first stadium. Abdomen (Figs. 4 – 8). Dorsal surface with small setae forming transverse row on posterior portion of segments, absent at median longitudinal line; few additional scattered setae also present. Not yet possible to differentiate the sexes based on external features. General form and other abdominal features as described above for first stadium. Color (Figs. 4 – 8) – specimens in 92.8 % ethanol. Color pattern similar to that of first stadium but with stronger tonalities. Head darker overall; crown with more prominent dark brown irregular spots and ocellar positions more delimited. Frons and clypeus with intensified brown pigmentation. Pronotum with pair of slight, transverse irregular dark brown stripes medially, along posterior margin. Metanotum bearing pair of well-defined dark brown maculae posteriorly. Legs with slightly more evident tibial and tarsal brown markings. Abdominal tergites with stronger dark brown posterior transverse spots; lateral irregular spots more pronounced. Other color features as described above for first stadium. Third stadium nymph (Figs. 9 – 11) Total length 4.44 – 5.83 mm (see Table 1 for additional measurements). Head (Figs. 9 – 11) as in first stadium. Anterior margin rounded medially. Length of compound eye varying from 0.48 to 0.58 mm. Thorax (Figs. 9 – 11). Pronotum (Fig. 9) subrectangular but more developed anteriorly than in previous stadia; slightly wider than mesonotum. Mesonotum (Fig. 9) also more developed than in previous stadia. Wing pads (Fig. 9) clearly visible from this stadium onwards, their surface with scattered small setae; anterior wing pads (Fig. 9) extending to base of abdomen; posterior wing pads (Fig. 9) reaching third abdominal segment. Other thoracic features as described for previous stadia. Abdomen (Figs. 9 – 11). Dorsal surface with small setae forming transverse row on posterior portion of segments, absent at median longitudinal line; additional scattered setae also present, especially on median portion of tergites. Rudiments of the external male and female terminalia (gonapophyses) are more visible from this stadium onwards, so that it is possible to clearly distinguish the sexes. Gonapophyses of both sexes consist of three pairs of triangular plates; male external gonapophyses separated from one another for about half their length or less (see Fig. 15, fourth stadium); female external gonapophyses separated from one another along their whole length (see Fig. 19, fifth stadium). Gonapophyses I (from segment VIII), II, and III (both from segment IX) develop into, respectively, first ovipositor valvulae, second ovipositor valvulae, and gonoplacs (ovipositor sheaths or third valvulae) in females. In males, gonapophyses (all from segment IX) originate subgenital plates (as the basal genital valve is not yet differentiated), connective and aedeagus (basal and distal parts of the intromittent organ, respectively), and styli. Pygofer with irregularly distributed large setae. Other abdominal features as described above for previous stadia. Color (Figs. 9 – 11) – specimens in 92.8 % ethanol. Areas around ocellar positions darkened. Labium mostly dark brown. Pronotum and mesonotum with more extensive dark brown pigmentation. Anterior and posterior wing pads with apical dark brown pigmentation. Legs with clearly defined dark brown spots. Abdomen with pair of strong, sharply defined dark brown posterior transverse spots on tergites II – VIII; lateral portions with irregular brown maculae. Other color features as described above for previous stadia. Fourth stadium nymph (Figs. 12 – 15) Total length 5.90 – 7.25 mm (see Table 1 for additional measurements). Head (Figs. 12 – 14), in dorsal view, with ocellar positions more clearly delimited. Anterior margin rounded medially. Postfrons (anteromedian area of crown) more distinct than in previous stadia. Length of compound eye varying from 0.60 to 0.72 mm. Other features as described above for previous stadia. Thorax (Figs. 12 – 14). Pronotum (Fig. 12) more developed anteriorly than in previous stadia. Anterior wing pads almost reaching apices of posterior ones, extending to third or fourth abdominal segment. Hind legs (Figs. 12 – 14) with tibial anterodorsal row (AD) formed by large setae interspaced by small intercalary setae. Other thoracic features as described above for previous stadia. Abdomen (Figs. 12 – 15). Dorsal surface with small setae forming transverse row on posterior portion of segments, absent at median longitudinal line; additional scattered setae also present, especially on median portion of tergites. Terminalia of males and females distinct and more sclerotized than in third stadium. Anal tube covered by pygofer, slightly visible in dorsal view. Other abdominal features as described above for previous stadia. Color (Figs. 12 – 15) – specimens in 92.8 % ethanol. Overall coloration with stronger tonalities than in previous stadia. Areas around ocellar positions darkened. Pronotum with pair of transverse lines anteriorly and pair of transverse subtriangular maculae posteriorly, dark brown; mesonotum with pair of dark brown narrow lines along posterior margin; metanotum with pair of large posterior dark brown spots. Anterior and posterior wing pads with apical dark brown pigmentation. Abdominal tergites with strong transverse dark brown spots; lateral areas may present large dark brown maculae. Other color features as described above for previous stadia. Fifth stadium nymph (Figs. 16 – 19) Total length 7.12 – 8.23 mm (see Table 1 for additional measurements). Head (Figs. 16 – 18), in dorsal view, with ocellar positions clearly delimited. Anterior margin rounded medially. Length of compound eye 0.63 – 0.72 mm. Other features as described above for previous stadia. Thorax (Figs. 16 – 18). Pronotum (Fig. 16) subrectangular, more developed anteriorly than in previous stadia; its length similar to that of fourth stadium; anterior margin broadly rounded. Anterior wing pads almost reaching apices of posterior ones, extending to third or fourth abdominal segment. Other thoracic features as described above for previous stadia. Abdomen (Figs. 16 – 19). Dorsal surface with small setae forming transverse row on posterior portion of segments, absent at median longitudinal line; additional scattered setae also present, especially on median portion of tergites. Terminalia of males and females well developed and sclerotized; subgenital plates each with a row of large setae. Anal tube covered by pygofer, slightly visible in dorsal view. Other abdominal features as described above for previous stadia. Color (Figs. 16 – 19) – specimens in 92.8 % ethanol. Color pattern similar to that of fourth stadium but with even more extensive dark pigmentation.	en	Quintas, Victor, Prando, Jádila S., Alasmar, Luísa, Domahovski, Alexandre C., Timóteo, Ágatha, Mejdalani, Gabriel (2026): Description of the immature stadia of Balacha melanocephala (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) with biological notes. Zootaxa 5768 (4): 563-575, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5768.4.6, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.4.6
864E3279FFFDFFEEFF28FF0CFE4CFE3F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Southern Brazil, state of Paraná, municipality of São José dos Pinhais (Fig. 20). About 90 nymphs of B. melanocephala were studied; the numbers of measured nymphs, according to stadium and sex, and measured adult males and females are given in Table 1. Labels of the samples are as follows: “ Brasil, Paraná, S. J. dos \ Pinhais, 25 º 36 ’ 18 ” S \ 49 º 11 ’ 37 ” W 880 m \ XI. 2019 Sweep \ A. C. Domahovski, J. S. Prando \ & V. Quintas col. ” (DZRJ, MNRJ) and “ Brasil, Paraná, S. J. dos \ Pinhais, 25 º 36 ’ 18 ” S \ 49 º 11 ’ 37 ” W 880 m \ II. 2025 Sweep \ A. C. Domahovski col. ” (DZUP).	en	Quintas, Victor, Prando, Jádila S., Alasmar, Luísa, Domahovski, Alexandre C., Timóteo, Ágatha, Mejdalani, Gabriel (2026): Description of the immature stadia of Balacha melanocephala (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) with biological notes. Zootaxa 5768 (4): 563-575, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5768.4.6, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.4.6
864E3279FFFDFFEEFF28FF0CFE4CFE3F.taxon	discussion	Remarks The nymphs of B. melanocephala exhibit a mostly constant general form and a similar color pattern throughout their development and growth. However, subtle morphological changes can be observed as development progresses, particularly in the shape of the anterior margin of the crown and lateroposterior angles of the pronotum, especially from the third stadium onwards. The first and second stadia (Figs. 1 – 8) are quite homogeneous but can be distinguished by the body size (Table 1) and coloration (Figs. 1 – 8). The first stadium does not exceed 2.6 mm in length and is predominantly yellow, with faint brown to dark brown marks, whereas the second stadium exceeds 3.2 mm and shows dark brown markings, particularly on the crown and the posterior margin of the metanotum. The third stadium (Figs. 9 – 11) is characterized by the initial development of wing pads and the appearance of rudimentary external terminalia (gonapophyses) of females and males (Figs. 15 and 19). From this stadium onwards, it becomes possible to distinguish the sexes based on the morphology of these structures. The most significant increase in body size occurs between the third and fourth stadia (Figs. 9 – 14), with an approximate growth of 25 – 30 % between them (Table 1). Also, wing pads become distinctly visible and are key diagnostic features of the fourth stadium. The fifth stadium (Figs. 16 – 19) is readily recognizable due to a distinctive combination of features: (1) body length varying from 7.1 to 8.2 mm (Table 1); (2) wing pads reaching the abdominal tergite III; (3) crown showing well-defined future location of the ocelli in the adult; and (4) prominent dark brown to black markings around the abdominal spiracles.	en	Quintas, Victor, Prando, Jádila S., Alasmar, Luísa, Domahovski, Alexandre C., Timóteo, Ágatha, Mejdalani, Gabriel (2026): Description of the immature stadia of Balacha melanocephala (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) with biological notes. Zootaxa 5768 (4): 563-575, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5768.4.6, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.4.6
864E3279FFFDFFEEFF28FF0CFE4CFE3F.taxon	biology_ecology	Biological notes Specimens of B. melanocephala were collected in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest, with Araucaria trees interspersed with open grasslands and areas of floodplain forest. The site has an elevation of approximately 900 m a. s. l., mean annual temperature of 17.2 ºC, and 1,630 mm of annual precipitation (CLIMATE DATA. ORG). Nymphs and adults of B. melanocephala (Figs. 22 and 24) are gregarious and hide among the leaf bases of Eryngium sp. (Fig. 21), typically inside the central funnel formed by developing leaves. When disturbed, they can quickly abandon their hiding places, either by walking or jumping upward toward the leaf apex. They exhibit the common leafhopper behavior of hiding on the opposite side of the leaf in relation to the observer, indicating that they have good vision. Alternatively, when nymphs are located close to the bases of the leaves, they react to the approach of the hand or entomological aspirator by walking in a retrograde movement, going deeper towards the base of the leaf and hiding in tighter spaces. The leaves of Eryngium sp. have heterogeneous coloration (Fig. 23), with the outer and mature ones dark green, whereas the inner and younger ones, which form the central funnel, are light yellow, especially toward the leaf base. The nymphs of B. melanocephala (Fig. 22) have a similar light-yellow tonality. Therefore, we hypothesize that nymph coloration is a possible adaptation that allows their camouflage inside the funnel, although these insects also have symmetrical dark spots whose adaptive significance, if any, is not clear. Although oviposition was not directly observed, the constant presence of early-stadium nymphs and adults suggests that eggs are likely deposited inside the leaves of the host plant.	en	Quintas, Victor, Prando, Jádila S., Alasmar, Luísa, Domahovski, Alexandre C., Timóteo, Ágatha, Mejdalani, Gabriel (2026): Description of the immature stadia of Balacha melanocephala (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) with biological notes. Zootaxa 5768 (4): 563-575, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5768.4.6, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.4.6
