Scaralina cristata Yanega & Van Dam, 2024

Yanega, Douglas, Goemans, Geert, Dam, Matthew Van, Gómez-Marco, Francesc & Hoddle, Mark, 2024, Description of a new genus of North and Central American planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) with fourteen new species, Zootaxa 5443 (1), pp. 1-53 : 13-18

Scaralina cristata Yanega & Van Dam , sp. nov.

( Figs 2 , 12 , 15 , 29 , 44 , 59 , 75 , 84 )

Etymology. From the Latin adjective “ cristatus,” meaning “crested,” in reference to the characteristically strong pronotal carina.

Diagnosis. This species and aethrinsula broadly co-occur and have dorsal thoracic markings composed primarily of microscopic pale dots centered on setae. They both have relatively small cells in the forewings, but consistently different coloration, with cristata having numerous strongly pigmented cells in the medial portion of the wing, and in cristata , the overall venation is such that the wing generally has more longitudinal veins, more closely spaced, than any other species; it also has considerably less reticulation of the crossveins than in aethrinsula . In addition to its crested pronotum, the thorax is generally darker than in aethrinsula , the rostrum darker, and the lateral mesonotal carinae more strongly sinuate. Females have tergum 6 elongated, and males have tergum 7 almost entirely dark, and the incurved dorsal part of the gonostyli has a broad medial portion without distinct ridges and nearly meeting at the midline. Among species for which we have seen males, the gonosytli of cristata more completely conceal the aedeagal apparatus than any other species, exposing only a small basal aperture (concealed by the anal tube). The abdominal markings seem to be composed of tiny colored dots, fused to various degrees, a condition not seen to such a degree even in other species in the cristata group ( aethrinsula , durango , gigantea , and hawksi ). The abdominal markings are typically orange-yellowish medially, and paler laterally, as is true also of some other species, but it shows strongest structural affinities to gigantea , with a strong, complete mediolateral notal carina in addition to a strong medial pronotal carina; it also shares with durango and gigantea the strongly pigmented cells in the medial forewing. Mexican specimens of cristata from Chihuahua and Durango have abdominal and thoracic markings very distinctly orange, and there is no trace of a ridge dorsally on the gonostyli. Specimens of cristata from the Magdalena Mountains of east-central New Mexico are also atypical, and show coloration more similar to aethrinsula , which is sympatric there; the thoracic markings are paler and more often fused, and the pale abdominal bands are broader and paler, and also more fused. These same specimens have a weak but distinct ridge separating the medial from the apical portion of the dorsal gonostyli, and therefore intermediate between the state seen in aethrinsula versus other populations of cristata , where this ridge is very faint (Arizona populations) or absent altogether (Chihuahua and Durango populations). Given the morphological differences and large geographic separation from other populations, this New Mexican population (and maybe the Chihuahua and Durango populations) might be worthy of recognition as a subspecies, but we leave that for future work that can take genetic data into account. Biogeographically, specimens from the Magdalena Mountains, Chihuahua, and Durango, are from the eastern side of the Continental Divide, so it would perhaps not be surprising to find significant genetic differences from the other populations, although S. aethrinsula can also be found in some of the same locations and we see no external differences in aethrinsula populations from the eastern side of the Divide. Note also that it is this species that is figured in Porion (1999) as “ Alphina glauca ”, and most of the scattered specimens from Arizona we have located that were identified by Metcalf himself as “ Crepusia glauca ” are of this species.

Description. Head ( Figs 29 , 44 ). Structure and coloration fairly similar to aethrinsula , but with pale spots on reflexed portion of frons; on the mid and lower frons, the ground color is pale and each microseta is in a small dark spot (occasionally the spots at the extreme lower margin of frons are ocellate, with a pale center and dark outer circle). Clypeus mostly dark (except quite pale at extreme upper and lower corners), with variously-developed pale spotting; spots near upper center of clypeus often obliquely elongated. Rostrum mostly dark except at extreme base ( Fig. 2 ).

Thorax ( Fig. 44 ). Pronotum medial carina strongly developed, distinctly cristate in lateral view, most prominent posteriorly ( Fig. 12 ). Pronotal spots obscured by mottling of pronotum, which is fairly uniform but quite variable; often distinctly paler just behind eyes, and often darker in a variously-defined “V” shaped mark extending from the lateral edges of the vertex to meet at the posterior apex of the crest. Central carina of mesonotum well-defined but rarely well-marked; lateral carinae abruptly sinuate (recurved or nearly so) anteriorly, and also posteriorly, often entirely pale; posterior granular spots larger than in aethrinsula , and inner posterior carina sometimes elevated along anterior margin of spots; posterior mesonotal lobe almost always with some black, at least at apex. Dorsal setae relatively short but distinct. Legs as in generic diagnosis, but metafemur extensively dark, metatibial bands somewhat disrupted by tiny pale dots.

Wings ( Figs 15 , 59 ). Forewings with dark markings on basal half of vein Pcu well-developed; other markings somewhat variable, but with a dark transverse band from costa to clavus, at the level of the first branch of M (varying from weak to strong), and with a long prominent row of nearly opaque dark spots in the center of the wing membrane starting near the 1st or 2nd branch of CuA; postcostal cell dark but with large pale spots, often mostly pale. Costal crossveins numerous, close, often sinuous or slightly anastomosing, but not as highly reticulate as in aethrinsula ; M with 3–5 main branches (generally 4 or 5), crossveins between them closely spaced, often sinuous, making irregularly polygonal cells, but not generally anastomosing or forming interstitial venules or cellules in this region of the wing; sometimes one of the posterior branches of M fuses with CuA; CuA with 3–5 branches, rarely fewer than 2 of these come directly off of CuA; greatest distance between Pcu and A 1 veins equals or slightly exceeds greatest distance between A 1 and wing margin; fused vein posterior to juncture relatively short. Hind wing hyaline except base, which is slightly orange-infused.

Abdomen ( Fig. 15 ). Dorsal pale bands typically somewhat poorly-defined, and composed of tiny confluent dots, orange-yellow in medial band, typically slightly more buff-yellowish laterally, with scattered spots in between. Ventral pleurites and sternites usually mostly dark, the light portions composed of tiny pale tan dots. Male with tergum 7 almost entirely dark, only a few scattered pale spots. Female supra-anal plate large, marked similar to preceding terga but over half again as long.

Male terminalia. ( Figs 75 , 84 ). Gonostyli with apical half dark. Incurved portion near setose bulge very large, with inner corner at right angle nearly meeting at midline, and broadly confluent with apical portion, with medial portion very slightly impressed and only a trace of a ridge between this and the apical portion. Lateral hooks small, sharply acute, tapering.

Type material. Holotype. male: ARIZONA: Cochise Co.: “Miller Cyn Rd, 1760m, 31°24’56”N 110°16’32”W, 21.vii.2004, D. Yanega ” ( UCRC ENT 98278 , at UCRC).

Paratypes (204 specimens) as follows: ARIZONA: Cochise Co.: 15 mi. SW Rodeo, N.M., 27.vii.1977, M.A. Cazier, 1M (TTU-Z 18714); 15 mi. W Rodeo, N.M., 17.vii.1976, M.A. Cazier, O.F. Francke, 1F, 4M (TTU-Z 18694–96, 18700, 18703); same but 18.vii.1976, 1M (TTU-Z 18707); same but 21.vii.1976, 1M (TTU-Z 18697); same but 4.viii.1976, 1M (TTU-Z 18702); same but 5.viii.1976, 2M (TTU-Z 18701, 18708); same but 7.viii.1976, 1M (TTU-Z 18711); same but 14.viii.1976, 1M (TTU-Z 18705); same but 15.viii.1976, 1M (TTU-Z 18710); 5 mi. SW Portal, 28.vii.1977, M.A.Cazier, O.F. Francke,1M (TTU-Z18716); Chiricahua Mts, SWRS, 5700 ft, 26.viii.1968, J.B. Heppner, blacklight, 1F (TTU-Z 18718); Cochise Stronghold, 4600 ft, 6.ix.1965, L. & C.W. O’Brien, blacklight, 1M (TTU-Z 18692) (all preceding TTCC); 5 mi. W Portal, SWRS, 5400 ft, 22.vi.1955, M. Statham, 6M; same but 2.vii.1957, 1M; same but 8.vii.1959, 1M; same but 16.vii.1955, W.J. Gertsch, 2M; same but 17.vi.1956, E. Ordway, 1M; same but 9.vii.1956, 1M; same but 12.vii.1956, C. & M. Cazier, 1M; same but 2.viii.1957, M.A. Cazier, 1M; same but 28.vi.1958, 1M; same but 10.vii.1963, J.G. Rozen, D.K. Oliver, A.R. Moldenke, J.A. Woods, 1M; Painted Canyon Ranch, Chiricahua Mts, 1.vii.1954, M. Cazier, 13M; Carr Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 1.viii.1952, M. Cazier, W. Gertsch, R. Schrammel, 2M; Lower Carr Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 21.vii.1955, E. Ordway, W.J. Gertsch, 1M; Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 10–15.vii.1941,A.B. Klots, 1M; Texas Canyon, Dragoon Mts, 5300 ft, 12.viii.1974 S. McCleve, black light, 1F; Dragoon, 20.vii.1917, “ PARATYPE Crepusia glauca Metc. ”, 1M (all preceding AMNH); nr. Portal, nr. SWRS, 5500 ft, UV light, 31°52’55”N, 109°13’04”W, 4.viii.2003, E. Riley, 1M ( TAMU); SWRS, 25.vi.1970, B. & C. Durden, 1M ( UTIC); same but 3.viii.1969, L.D. Anderson, 1M ( UCR ENT 122031); same but 8.viii.1969, 1M ( UCR ENT 122038); same but 15.viii.1970, 1M ( UCR ENT 122030); same but 21.viii.1970, 1F ( UCR ENT 122029); 5 mi W. Portal, SWRS, S. & S. Frommer, at light, 1M ( UCR ENT 122032); Chiricahua Mts, Cave Creek Canyon, 5100 ft, vii.1988 K. Philips, 1F ( MTEC); same but 1.viii.1988, M.A. Ivie, 1M ( MTEC); Cave Creek Canyon nr. SWRS, 21–26.vii.1971, 1M ( TAMU); same but 5650 ft, 31°53’38”N, 109°12’53”W, 6.viii.2003, E.G. Riley, UV light, 4M ( TAMU); Cave Creek Canyon nr. Portal, 5150 ft, 31°52’59”N, 109°10’49”W, 5.viii.2003, E.G. Riley, UV light, 1M, 1F ( TAMU); Cave Creek, 5 mi W. Portal, 27.vii.1955 Timberlake, 1M ( UCR ENT 122021); Cave Creek Ranch, 1.viii.1965, 5000 ft, G.W. Forister, 1M ( UCR ENT 122035); 1 mi E. Portal, 23.viii.1966, L.D. Anderson, 1M ( UCR ENT 122034); Paradise, 7.viii.1966, L.D. Anderson, 1M ( UCR ENT 122023–25); same but 4.viii.1966, 1F ( UCR ENT 122027); Huachuca Mts, Oslar, 17.viii.1903, 1M; same but 23.viii.1903, 1M ( NCSU; both labeled by Z.P. Metcalf as “ Crepusia glauca ”); Guadalupe Canyon, Peloncillo Mts, 1.vii.1975, S. McCleve, light, 1M ( ASULOB); same but 1.vii.1976, 1M ( ASULOB); Cochise Stronghold, 4600 ft, 6.ix.1965, L. & C.W. O’Brien, blacklight trap, 1M ( ASULOB); Ash Canyon, 7 mi W Palominas, Huachuca Mts, 5100 ft, 1.viii.1995, Cate & Quinn, UV light, 2M, 2F ( TAMU); Ash Canyon, “Lassie-Placer Claim”, 5115 ft., 23.vii.1979, N. McFarland, at UV, 1M ( UCR ENT 122033); Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 1685m, 27.viii.2022, D. Yanega , 1F ( UCRC ENT 559489); Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 1.viii.2021, R. Velten & S. McElfresh, at UV, 2M ( UCRC ENT 561186– 87); same but 31°24.952’N, 110°16.539’W, 1750m, 3.viii.2007, J. Mottern, MV, 1M ( UCRC ENT 323689); same but 31°24’56”N 110°16’32”W, 1760m, 21.vii.2004, D. Yanega , 3M ( UCRC ENT 98276–77, 98279); 10 mi S Apache, 7.viii.1972, B. Vogel, 1F ( UTIC); 12 mi. S Sierra Vista, 8–10.viii.1977, R.P. Allen, G.C. Duffy, at black light trap, 2M ( CSCA); Gila Co.: Globe, Pinal Mts, light, 1.vii.1932, 1M; same but Z.P. Metcalf, 1M ( NCSU; both labeled by Z.P. Metcalf as “ Crepusia glauca ”); Graham Co.: High Creek, Galiuro Mts, 1600m, 20.vii.1978, S. McCleve, light, 1M ( ASULOB); E end Aravaipa Canyon, 12.viii.1975, S. McCleve, light, 1M ( AMNH); Noon Creek, Pinaleño Mts, Coronado N.F., blacklight, 19.vii.2001, A. Cognato, J. Usener, 1M ( TAMU); Fort Grant, Pinaleño Mts, 15–17.vii.1917, “C.U. Biol. Exped.”, 1M ( NCSU); Greenlee Co.: Blue River, 5600 ft, Apache N.F., 25.vii.1973, M. Schwartz, UV, 1M ( AMNH): Maricopa Co.: 2 mi E Tortilla Flat, Superstition Mts., 23.viii.1982, S.H. Lin, 1F ( UCRC ENT 126008); Pima Co.: Tucson, Mt. Lemmon, Santa Catalina Mts, “PPRSAUCE”, 4.ix.1965, J.H. Hessel, 1M; Browns Canyon, Baboquivari Mts, 5.viii.1952, M. Cazier, R. Schrammel, 1F, 2M; Kitt Peak, Rincon, Baboquivari Mts, 1–4.viii.1916, 31°57’N 111°33’W, “about 4050 ft. ”, 1F, 14M; Sabino Basin, Santa Catalina Mts, 15–21.viii.1916, 32°22’N 110°46.5’ W, “about 3800 ft. ”, 2M; Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mts, 14. viii.1955, Gertsch & Ordway, 1M (all preceding AMNH); same but 19–20.vii.1978, D.C. Hawks, 1M ( UCR ENT 122022); Bog Springs Campground, Madera Canyon, 16.viii.1971, T. Halstead, 1M ( ASULOB); same but 10.viii.1978, at black light, 1F ( MTEC); Santa Rita Experimental Range, 4.viii.1988, S. Lajeunesse, 1M ( MTEC); same but T.K. Philips, 2M ( MTEC); same but 5.viii.1988, at light, C.E. Seibert, 1M ( MTEC); Molino Basin, Santa Catalina Mts, 4600 ft, 3.ix.1965, L. & C.W. O’Brien, blacklight trap, 1M ( ASULOB); Box Canyon, Santa Rita Mts, 20.vii.1985, D.C. Hawks, 1M ( UCRC ENT 102068); same but 21.vii.1998, J. George, 1M ( UCRC ENT 324032); Pinal Co.: Jct. Devil’s Canyon & U.S. Hwy 60, Pinal Mts, 26.vii.1989, W.B. Warner, UV light, 2M ( ASULOB); Santa Cruz Co.: 0.6 mi S of Duquesne, 3.viii.1996, W.B. & B.C. Warner, “UVBL,” 1M ( ASULOB); Sonoita River, Patagonia, 18.vii.1948, C. & P. Vaurie, 3M ( AMNH); Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mts, 13.viii.1966, R.L. Westcott, 1F ( UDCC); same but 1.vii.1972, A.J. Gilbert, 1M ( CSCA); same but UV light, 31.vii.1965, G. Ballmer, K. Brown, 1M ( TAMU); same but 18.viii.1965, C.A. Saario, 1F, 1M ( UCR ENT 122028, 122037); Upper Madera Canyon, 31°42’47”N, 110°52’27”W, 7.vii.2010, D. Yanega , 2M ( UCRC ENT 276017–18); Upper Madera Canyon, 31°42’46”N, 110°52’25”W, 1660m, 3.ix.2011, D. Yanega , 1F ( UCRC ENT 309053); Nogales, Oslar, 25.vi.1903, 2M; same but 1.vii.1903, 1M; same but 17.vii.1903, 2M; same but 29.vii.1903, 1M; same but 23.vii.1903, 1M; same but additional label “Cornell U. Lot 256 Sub.”, 1M ( NCSU; all labeled by Z.P. Metcalf as “ Crepusia glauca ”); Nogales, 15.viii.1972, 1M ( CSCA); Mt. Washington, 4300 ft, Patagonia Mts, 13.viii.1991, L.G. Bezark, R.A. Cunningham, D.E. Russell, Hg vapor and UV light, 3M ( CSCA); Peña Blanca Lake, 31.viii.1966, F.G. Andrews, 1M ( UCR ENT 122026); Upper White Rocks Campground, Peña Blanca Lake, 1200m, 29.vii.2003, A.L. Park, Hg vapor light, 9M ( UDCC); same but 31°23’16”N, 111°06’41”W, 1200m, 20.vii.2000, D. Yanega , MV, 2M ( UCRC ENT 40854–55); same but 30.vii.2002, 1M ( UCRC ENT 72344); same but 29.vii.2003, 5M ( UCRC ENT 86118– 22); same but 31°23.081’N, 111°5.615’W, 1172m, 24.vii.2009, J. Mottern, MV, 1F, 3M ( UCRC ENT 323604–07); S Peña Blanca Lake, 31°24’4”N, 111°5’29”W, 1180m, 1.viii.2005, J. Adams, UV, 5M ( UCRC ENT 562489–93); nr. Peña Blanca Lake, UV light, 31°22’58”N, 111°05’30”W, 7.viii.2003, E. Riley, 4M ( TAMU); Ruby Road, 1270m, UV light, 31°23’25”N, 111°7’24”W, 1.viii.2005, J. Adams, 7M ( UCRC ENT 129044–46, 562595–98); Sycamore Canyon, 1220m, 31°25’53”N 111°11’21”W, 19–20.viii.2004, D. Yanega , 1M ( UCRC ENT 100055); 5 mi S. Canelo, 20.viii.1965 K. Brown, 1M ( UCR ENT 122036); Yavapai Co.: Kirkland, Peeples Valley, 4500 ft, 22–24.viii.1927, “Cornell U. Lot 542 Sub. 333”, 1M ( NCSU); Cherry, 1.viii.1970, D.B. Carver, blacklight, 1M ( ASULOB; dissected); NEW MEXICO: Hidalgo Co.: Clanton Draw, 41 mi E Geronimo Pass, Peloncillo Mts, T31S R21W sec 16, 5400 ft, 22.vii.1972, M.E. Toliver, 1M ( ASULOB); MEXICO: Sonora: “ 8 mi W Tepoca, 3000 ft, 28.30–109.17” (erroneous GPS coordinates, should be 28.46, -109.33), 6.viii.1986, V. Roth, 1M ( AMNH; dissected); “Sierra de los Ajos, head of Cañon de Evans”, 4550 ft, 15.vii.1970, V. Roth, 3M ( AMNH).

Other material examined. NEW MEXICO: Socorro Co.: 0.8 mi S Kelly, 2265m, 34°04’25”N 107°12’18”W, 25.vii.2017, J.K. Adams, 3M ( UCRC ENT 525194–96 ) ; MEXICO: Chihuahua: Santa Barbara , 6300 ft, 18.vii.1942, “D. Rockefeller Exp.”, Cazier, 1F; Arroyo Catarinas, 15 mi S Matamoros , 14.ix.1950, R.F. Smith, 1F; Catarinas, 5800 ft, 25.vii.1947, “D. Rockefeller Exp.”, Schramel, 1F, 1M ; 8 mi W Matachic , 6400 ft, 8.vii.1947, “D. Rockefeller Exp.”, Schramel, 1F; same but 7200 ft, Cazier, 1M (all preceding AMNH) ; “Villa Matamoros (1715)”, 16.vi.1972, J. Mateu, 1M ( ASULOB); 13 mi E Cuauhtemoc , 6600 ft, UV & white light, 11.vii.1964, J.A. Chemsak, J. Powell, 1M ( EMEC) ; 15 mi E Cuauhtemoc , white light, 11.vii.1964, J. Chemsak, J. Powell, 1M ( EMEC) ; Durango: Encino , 6200 ft, 27.vii.1947, “D. Rockefeller Exp.”, Schramel, 1F ( AMNH) ; Sonora: Rancho Las Tierras, Sierra Murrieta near Bacanora , 1380m, 28.90110, -109.51360, 15.ix.2022, S. Carnahan, 1F (photo record) .

Distribution. This species has been reported from a very large number of mountain ranges, mostly within the broader system known as the Madrean Sky Islands.As noted above, the typical form is found west of the Continental Divide, from the southern edge of the Mogollon Rim to the Atascosa, Baboquivari, Chiricahua, Dragoon, Galiuro, Huachuca, Pajarito, Patagonia, Peloncillo, Pinal, Pinaleño, Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, and Superstition ranges (all part of the Sky Islands), also extending west as far as the Bradshaw Mountains and south into the northern Sierra Madre Occidental at least as far as Yécora, Sonora. Populations from the US and Mexico from east of the Continental Divide are provisionally included in this species, but we designate no such specimens as paratypes. In total, this is a larger number of known occurrences than for aethrinsula , but aethrinsula ranges more widely to the east, west, and north. Records are from between 1100 and 2200 meters in elevation, with one record from 950 meters.

Figures

FIGURE 2. Ventrolateral view of rostral apex, Scaralina cristata; note that tip of last rostral segment extends beyond the femorotibial joint of the hind legs when the hind legs are pointed straight back.

FIGURE 12. lateral view of prothorax of Scaralina cristata, showing crest-like medial carina (head is to the right).

FIGURES 13–20. Habitus photos of Scaralina species. (13) S. aethrinsula (male); (14) S. chapina (male); (15) S. cristata (male); (16) S. marmorata (female); (17) S. durango (type female); (18) S. gigantea (type female); (19) S. hawksi (female, crushed somewhat); (20) S. metcalfi (male).

FIGURES 27–35. Faces of Scaralina species. (27) S. aethrinsula; (28) S. chapina; (29) S. cristata; (30) S. durango; (31) S. gigantea; (32) S. hawksi; (33) S. marmorata; (34) S. metcalfi; (35) S. monzoni.

FIGURES 42–50. Heads and nota of Scaralina species. (42) S. aethrinsula; (43) S. chapina; (44) S. cristata; (45) S. durango; (46) S. gigantea; (47) S. hawksi; (48) S. marmorata; (49) S. metcalfi; (50) S. monzoni.

FIGURES 57–62. Forewings of Scaralina species. (57) S. aethrinsula; (58) S. chapina; (59) S. cristata; (60) S. durango; (61) S. gigantea; (62) S. hawksi.

FIGURES 73–81. Male genitalia of Scaralina species, dorsal view, anal tube removed. (73) S. aethrinsula; (74) S. chapina; (75) S. cristata; (76) S. marmorata; (77) S. metcalfi; (78) S. monzoni; (79) S. obrienae; (80) S. orientalis; (81) S. rileyi. NOTE: obfusca, sullivani not included.

FIGURES 82–90. Male genitalia of Scaralina species, lateral view. (82) S. aethrinsula; (83) S. chapina; (84) S. cristata; (85) S. marmorata; (86) S. metcalfi; (87) S. monzoni; (88) S. obrienae; (89) S. orientalis; (90) S. rileyi.