Goniagnathus pectinatus Fletcher

Fletcher, Murray J. & Zahniser, James N., 2008, The first record of Goniagnathini from Australia with description of four new species of Goniagnathus Fieber (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae), Zootaxa 1692, pp. 43-54 : 51-52

Goniagnathus pectinatus Fletcher sp.nov.

( Figures 4, 10 , 40–44 )

Holotype: male, Griffith, NSW. 30.i.2003, M.J. Fletcher ( ASCU: ASCTHE 030969)

Paratypes: Queensland: 1 male, 17km W. Gamboola, NQ, 23.iv.1983, J.F. Donaldson & J.F. Grimshaw, D-vac in grass ( QDPI); Victoria: 1 male, Porepunkah, Victoria, 36º39’47”S 146º14’57”E, 12.i.2006, Piotr Trebicki, water trap ( ASCU)

Colour: Mid brown with darker speckling. Tegmen with veins marked with vague white speckling.

Morphology: Macropterous. Length: males (N=3) 4.38 mm (range 4.25–4.50 mm)

Male genitalia: Pygofer ( Figure 40 ) obliquely truncate posteriorly, with short triangular process dorsally and posterior prominence ventrally. Short line of macrosetae along posterior margin and scattered short macrosetae on ventral lobe. Subgenital plates ( Figure 41 ) forming transverse plate with rounded lateral corners and broadly emarginate apical margin. Parameres ( Figure 42 ) with apical section short, roundly excavate apically with prominent lateral lobes; basal section broad laterally, narrow medially towards articulation with connective. Aedeagus ( Figures 43–44 ) curved anterodorsally, tapering base to apex in lateral view with 6–7 strong, elongate teeth on inside margins; apex acute beyond gonopore.

Female: unknown.

Etymology: The species name refers to the pectinate (comb-like) row of processes borne by the aedeagus.

Notes: This species has an aedeagal structure similar to G. crocodontis but the aedeagal shaft is not as broad in posterior view and the lateral teeth are much longer. The structure of the pygofer is quite different too with a dorsal tooth and ventral prominence. The known specimens of G. crocodontis are brachypterous while specimens of G. pectinatus are macropterous. The collection localities of the known specimens of G. pectinatus are quite remote from each other, one being in the central part of Cape York Peninsula in North Qld and the others in the southern inland of New South Wales and Victoria. However, both regions are drier inland localities and it is expected that further specimens of this species will be found in western Qld and NSW to link this apparently disjunct distribution.

Figures

FIGURES 7 – 12. facial view of head: 7. G. osmelaki, 8. G. venenensis, 9. G. crocodontis, 10. G. pectinatus, 11. G. centralis male, 12. G. centralis, NT female.

FIGURES 40 – 44. G. pectinatus male genitalia: 40. pygofer, lateral view, 41. subgenital plates, 42. right paramere, ventral view, 43. aedeagus, lateral view, 44. aedeagus, posterior view.