Varta bifida, 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 : 17-18

Varta bifida sp. nov.

Figs 38 , 90–98 .

Coloration and structure similar to that in V. rubrostriata .

Male genitalia: Pygophore lobe caudally produced bifid, dorsal lobe membranous, ventral lobe sclerotized and caudo­ventrally slightly curved with an acute apex. Segment X with a pair of ventral denticles. Subgenital plate caudally rounded, with numerous setae. Apophysis of style slender, gradually tapering distally, with rugulose surface. Aedeagus with dorsal apodeme well­developed, shaft tubular, uniformly curved and narrowed distally with a pair of apical laterally diverging processes, gonopore apical between the bases of processes.

Measurements: Male 6.2 mm long, 1.3 mm wide across hind margin of head, 1.4 mm wide across hind margin of pronotum.

Material examined: THAILAND: holotype ɗ, Supanburi, Sugarcane, 20.xi.1920, Tipras Coll. ( BMNH).

Remarks: Though externally appears similar to other species of Varta , V. bifida differs from them in having very distinctive aedeagus. It lacks the unpaird ventral apical process, and the dorsal bladelike ridge and the shaft is evenly curved rather than sinuate.

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 90 – 98. Varta bifida sp. nov.: 90. Head and thorax; 91. Face; 92. Head and thorax, profile; 93. Apex of forewing; 94. Male genital capsule; 95. Apex of style; 96. Connective; 97. Aedeagus, lateral view; 98. Apex of aedeagal shaft.