Varta longula, Viraktamath, C. A., 2004

Viraktamath, C. A., 2004, A revision of the Varta­Stymphalus generic complex of the leafhopper tribe Scaphytopiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from the Old World, Zootaxa 713, pp. 1-47 : 17

Varta longula sp. nov.

Figs 35, 36 , 75–89 .

Coloration and structure as in V. rubrostriata .

Male genitalia: Ventral sclerotized process of pygophore slender caudally directed, sinuate ( Papua New Guinea population) or straight with a dorsal bend near distal 0.25 (Australian population). Segment X with a pair of slender elongate processes in distal 0.25. Subgenital plate distally with rounded margin, bases of spines dark pigmented. Style with apophysis broad at mid length, surface strongly rugulose. Shaft of aedeagus broadly curved at base, sinuate in basal half, either slender elongate ( Papua New Guinea population) or shorter and stouter (Australian population), ventro­apical unpaired process rather straight, wider at mid length, bladelike triangular dorsal ridge well­developed.

Female genitalia: Seventh sternum about 1.5 times as broad as long, hind margin broadly medially produced with a median notch.

Measurements: Male 5.0– 5.3 mm long, 1.1 mm wide across hind margin of head, 1.1 mm wide across hind margin of pronotum. Female 5.7 (5.3–6.0) mm long, 1.3 (1.2–1.3) mm wide across hind margin of head, 1.4 mm wide across hind margin of pronotum.

Material examined: PAPUA NEW GUINEA: holotype ɗ, W. district, Oriomo Govt. Sta. 26–28.x.1960, J.L. Gressitt Collection ( BPBM). Paratypes: 2Ψ, data as for holotype; 1ɗ, West District, Oriomo, 3m (4.8 Km), 6.viii.1964, E. Clissold collection; 1ɗ, Ruka, 9m (14.4 Km), 12.viii.1964, E. Clissold, Light trap; 1ɗ Lae, Singuawa R. 147° 10 E, 6° 45 S, 30m, 8.iv.1966, O. R. Wilk es, Light trap ( BMNH, BPBM). AUSTRALIA: 2ɗ, 2Ψ, Queensland, Ingham, 13.vi.1961, Light trap, R. Straatman; 1Ψ, same data but collected on 7.iv.1911 by K.L. Harley ( ANIC). PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1Ψ, N.E. Papua: Mt Lamington, 1300–1500 feet (394–455 m), C.T. McNamara ( SAM); 1Ψ, Aroa Estate, 1 mi (1.6 Km) W. of Red Scar Bay, 29.ix.1958, J.L. Gressitt ( BPBM). PHILLIPINES: 1ɗ, Ifugao Pro: Liwo, 8 Km E Mayoyao, 1000–1300m, 7.vi.1967, H. M. Torrevillas, Light trap; 1Ψ, Culion Is. 12.vi.1962, E. Holtmann, Malaise trap ( BPBM).

Remarks: V. longula can be distinguished from other species of Va rt a by the elongate processes of the segment X, caudally directed, sinuate pygophore processes and the structure of aedeagus.

Figures

FIGURES 32 – 40. Red or orange stripes on front wings of Varta­Stymphalus complex. 32. Stymphalus rubrolineatus (Stål); 33. Varta rubrofasciata Distant; 34. Varta rubrostriata (Horváth); 35. Varta longula sp. nov., from Australia; 36. Same from New Guinea; 37. Varta rubrovittata; 38. Varta bifida sp. nov.; 39. Vartalapa robusta sp. nov.; 40. Vartalapa malayana.

FIGURES 75 – 89. Varta longula sp. nov. 75. Head and thorax; 76. Same, profile; 77. Face; 78. Male genital capsule, lateral view, Australian population; 79. Same, New Guinea population; 80. Apex of forewing; 81. Valve and subgenital plate; 82. Subgenital plate showing setae; 83. Connective, Australian population; 84. Same, New Guinea population; 85. Style; 86. Aedeagus, lateral view, Australian population; 87. Same, New Guinea population; 88. Aedeagus, caudal view; 89. Dorsal apodeme and membrane covered with setae.