Boliviela

Nielson, M. W., 2011, 2953, Zootaxa 2953, pp. 1-85 : 9-10

Boliviela genus group

Boliviela , Dicodia , Gracilidia , Tinocripus and Paralidia are considered a “genus group” ( Boliviela complex), which has significant features that separate it from other groups. A review of the group and their attendant new species assignments significantly modified the original, constituted taxal concept of 2 genera, Boliviela and Paralidia . The remaining 3 genera are as they were originally constituted. Table 1 provides a matrix of diagnostic features which clarify and differentiate all of the genera, including fragmentation of Boliviela and Paralidia . This proposal may be considered somewhat problematical because characters considered of generic value by this author may be viewed otherwise by other taxonomists. However, the male genitalia, upon which the new genera are established, have a long standing record of taxonomic validity ever since their discovery. Reinforcement by subsequent universal usage in leafhopper classification, both at the generic and species level is well documented. No other major feature has supplanted male genitalia in the lower classification scheme among nearly all known taxa of Cicadellidae .

Fragmentation of Boliviela and Paralidia into 4 new genera (3 from Boliviela and 1 from Paralidia ) is based on the data in table 1. Each of these new genera and their parent genus are included in the key to the Boliviela genus group. Each parent genus is redescribed showing explicit features which delimit them from the new genera. These features are given in bold face font. The explicit characters of 4 new genera are also given in bold face font. Two basic structures, the aedeagus and dorsal connective, and the configurations of each are features which distinguish the fragmented genera from each other and from their former parent genus.

The connective, that structure which is attached basally to the base of the aedeagus and laterally by its anterior arms to the styles, is recognized for its potential species value among the 11 genera that are elucidated herein. Research of morphological features of this structure is recommended over a broader range within the Coelidiinae to evaluate the extent and importance of its taxonomic value.

All of the genera are somewhat similar in general habitus, which includes similar color patterns, slender to slightly robust appearance and angulate head that is always narrower than the pronotum, sometimes significantly so. The crown is often narrower than the width of the eye and slightly produced beyond the anterior margin of the eyes which enhances their slender appearance. The generic diversity of the male genitalia characters is quite significant, more so than in their counterpart general habitus features. However, some genera exhibit some uniformity with respect to configuration of certain male genitalia features.

*X=Yes, --=No

**Character variable among some species within some genera