Scaralina aethrinsula Yanega & Van Dam 2024, sp. nov.
Creators: name: Yanega, Douglas
name: Goemans, Geert
name: Dam, Matthew Van
name: Gómez-Marco, Francesc
name: Hoddle, Mark
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hemiptera
Fulgoridae
Scaralina
Scaralina aethrinsula

description: Scaralina aethrinsula Yanega & Van Dam, sp. nov.
(Figs 6, 13, 27, 42, 57, 73, 82)
Etymology. A compound formed from the Latin noun “ aethra ” (here elided to “ aethr -” to promote euphony) meaning “sky,” and the Latin noun “ insula ” meaning “island.” Thus, a direct transliteration of the term “sky island,” which is widely used, especially in reference to the Madrean Sky Islands; higher-elevation, pine/oak habitats in Arizona, New Mexico, and adjacent Mexico where this species is most often found, and is to be treated as a noun in apposition.
Diagnosis. This species is broadly sympatric with, and somewhat similar to, cristata, but some features separating them, especially the low pronotal carina, the lack of medial wing maculations, and exceptionally reticulate medial crossveins, are visible and consistent. Most specimens of aethrinsula are readily distinguished, even at a great viewing distance, by the paler notum and the very dark markings at the apex of the clavus in the forewing, which form a “V” or “Y” when the wings are closed. Additional features are the dark distitarsi, aspects of the frons, and details of the abdominal coloration. However, the variation in this species is such that there are individuals, especially those with medial wing maculations, that require more than a cursory glance to recognize. At the other extreme, some individuals have the wing markings reduced to the point where the basal transverse band is absent (as in Fig. 13), though the “V” is always present. Females differ from cristata very obviously by the unmodified tergum 6, and the male gonostyli have a slightly smaller incurved portion near the setose bulge, and a low ridge running to the medial margin, as well as extensive pale marking on tergum 7. The abdomen is actually most similar to that of durango and hawksi, and this species shares with the former the unmodified tergum 6 of the female.
Description. Head (Figs 27, 42). Rim of vertex almost entirely dark anteriorly and laterally, with three relatively small pale marks anteriorly (the middle one sometimes nearly absent); supra-ocular lobes narrowly pale apically; posterior rim mostly pale, except darkened adjacent to supra-ocular lobes. Dark granular spots of vertex slightly posterior in position, somewhat obscured amidst general mottling of surface, which is mostly dark except for tiny pale spots (often confluent) at the base of each microscopic seta, the pale apical portion of the supra-ocular lobes, and the slightly raised, generally pale midline. This basic pattern of coloration - dark with each seta in the center of a pale spot - predominates over the entire surface of the thoracic nota and pleura, as well as the tegulae and extreme lower frons; in the middle frons, if spotting is evident, then the pattern is reversed, with each microseta in a small dark spot. General coloration and structure very similar to cristata, but with consistently, though slightly, more extensively confluent pale markings dorsally, and generally darker middle frons and central clypeus. Pale markings at corner of frontal crease near ocellus much larger and more well-defined than in cristata, extending the length of the secondary crease that marks the lateral edge of the reflexed upper frons. Reflexed upper frons mostly but not entirely pale. Rostrum typical for genus.
Thorax (Fig. 42). Pronotal spots very weak, dorsal face of pronotum generally much paler than in cristata, but quite similar laterally. Mesonotum generally much paler between lateral carinae than in cristata, posterior black spots very small and entirely outlined by pale cuticle; lateral carinae slightly sinuate anteriorly, but more abruptly sinuate posteriorly, often entirely pale; inner posterior carinae obscure; posterior mesonotal lobe usually entirely pale. Mesepisternum often relatively pale. Legs as in generic diagnosis, but pro- and metatarsi entirely dark (brownish to black), metafemur almost entirely dark, and metatibial bands relatively poorly-defined due to extensive pale spotting. Dorsal setae relatively short but distinct.
Wings (Figs 13, 57). Forewings with dark markings on basal half of vein Pcu well-developed; other markings somewhat variable, but usually with a small dark transverse patch feebly connecting costa to clavus, at the level of the first branch of M (sometimes absent; compare Figs 13 & 57), and with very prominent, nearly opaque dark spots at the end of the claval furrow (these meeting to form a “V” when the wings are closed); postcostal cell strongly mottled with dark and light. Costal crossveins numerous, close, highly anastomosing, highly reticulate; M with 2–5 main branches (generally 3 or 4), crossveins between them very irregular, generally anastomosing and forming numerous interstitial venules and irregular (non-rectangular) cellules, especially between the more anterior branches; CuA with 2–4 branches (generally 2 or 3), rarely more than 1 of these coming directly off of CuA; greatest distance between Pcu and A 1 veins greatly exceeds greatest distance between A 1 and wing margin (sometimes almost 2x); fused vein posterior to juncture relatively long. Hind wing hyaline except base slightly orange-infused.
Abdomen (Figs 6, 13). Dorsum with very limited black; primarily orange medially, and grayish-buff laterally. Ventral pleurites entirely black, sternites mostly pale but basally dark, the dark markings becoming more extensive on more apical sternites. Female with tergum 6 not modified into supra-anal plate.
Male terminalia (Figs 73, 82). Gonostyle tips black, middle pale. Incurved basal portion near setose bulge moderate in size, and partially separated from apical portion by a low oblique ridge. Lateral hooks of gonostyli 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 98275, at UCRC).
Paratypes (123 specimens) as follows: ARIZONA: Apache Co.: “ White Mts. ”, viii.1930, D.K. Duncan, 1M (AMNH); Cochise Co.: 15 mi. SW Rodeo, N.M., 17.vii.1976, M.A. Cazier, O.F. Francke, 1M (TTU-Z 18715); 15 mi. W Rodeo, N.M., 18.vii.1976, M.A. Cazier, O.F. Francke, 1F (TTU-Z 18704); same but 21.vii.1976, 1F (TTUZ 18698); same but 6.viii.1976, 2M (TTU-Z 18712–13); same but 11.viii.1976, 1F (TTU-Z 18699); same but 17.viii.1976, 1F (TTU-Z 18706); 5 mi. W Portal, Chiricahua Mts, 31.vii.1987, R. Morris, Hg light, 1F (TTU-Z 18717) (all preceding TTCC); 5 mi. W Portal, SWRS, 5400 ft, 12.ix.1955, 1F; same but 17.viii.1955, W.J. Gertsch, 1F; same but 9.vii.1956, C. & M. Cazier, 1M; same but 22.vii.1959, 1F; same but 19.viii.1959, 1F; same but 7.viii.1956, E. Ordway, 1M; same but 25.vii.1957, M. Statham, 1M (all preceding AMNH); 5 mi W. Portal, SWRS, 5400 ft, 21.vii.1988, “Miller family”, 1M; same but 23.vii.1988, 1F; same but 31.vii.1988, 1F, 1M; same but 10.viii.1988, 1F (all preceding MTEC); same but 8.viii.1969, L.D. Anderson, 1F; same but 25.viii.1965, 1F; same but 25.viii.1968, 1F; same but 25.viii.1964, 1F; same but 5.viii.1969, 1F (UCR ENT 122007, 122011–12, 122015–16); same but 8.viii.1965, C.A. Saario, 1M (UCR ENT 122018); same but 25.viii.1960, D.C. Rentz, 1M (ASULOB); same but 31°53’00”N, 109°12’22”W, 22.viii.2000, J.C. Schaffner, M.J. Yoder, 1F (TAMU); same but 19–21.viii.2000, M. Yoder, 1F (TAMU); South Fork Campground, South Fork Cave Creek, Coronado National Forest, 9.viii.1972, S.I. & S. L. Frommer, 1F (UCRC ENT 123060); 1 mi E. Portal, 23.viii.1966, L.D. Anderson, 1F (UCR ENT 122003); 2 mi. N Portal, Chiricahua Mts, 5.viii.1986, 1F (MTEC); Portal, 5.ix.1966, W.J. Gertsch, 1F (AMNH); Portal, 5.viii.1972, B. Vogel, M. & W. Durden, T, DePuy, 1M (UTIC); same but 8.viii.1968, J.B. Heppner, 1F (UCR ENT 122005); 4 mi W. Portal, Sunny Flat, 27.viii.1979, C.W. Melton, 1F (UCR ENT 122017); 3.5 mi NW SWRS, 1975m, 31°54’18”N, 109°14’33”W, 3.viii.2019, R. Brown, UV, 3M, 1F (UCRC ENT 531495–98); Paradise, Chiricahua Mts, 1.viii.1966, A.B. Patterson, at light, 1M (CSCA); same but 4.viii.1966, L.D. Anderson, 2M (UCR ENT 122009, 122013); same but 12.viii.1966, 1M (UCR ENT 122010); 3 mi SW Paradise, 1.viii.1967, D.J. Culver, 1F (UCR ENT 122006); 4 mi N. Paradise, 5.viii.1967, F.G. Andrews, 2F (UCR ENT 122008, 122014); Cave Creek Canyon, 5000 ft, 30.vii.1988, M.M. Hooten, 1F, 1M (MTEC); same but C.E. Seibert, 1M (MTEC); same but 5100 ft, K. Philips, 2M (MTEC); Cave Creek Canyon nr. Portal, 5150 ft, UV light, 31°52’59”N, 109°10’49”W, 5.viii.2003, E.G. Riley, 1F (TAMU); East Turkey Creek, W Portal, 7.viii.1988, N.K. and R.S. Miller, BLT, 1F (MTEC); same but 1830m, 31°54’49”N, 109°14’19”W, 28.vii.2005, J. & E. Adams, 2M (UCRC ENT 128977–78, UCRC); same but 1960m, 31°54’32”N, 109°15’6”W, 27.vii.2019, J.R. Jones, MV, 2F (UCRC ENT 562008, 562675); ~ 5 mi SE Parker Canyon Lake, 18.viii.2001, N. Moorhatch, 1F (UCR ENT 122004); “Chiricahua N.F. vic. campgrd - Idlewilde ”, 7.vii.1991, S. & S. Frommer, 1M (UCR ENT 122019); Peloncillo Mts, 17.vii.1973, S. McCleve, light, 1M (AMNH); Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 31°24.952’N, 110°16.539’W, 1750m, 3.viii.2007, J. Mottern, MV, 1M (UCRC ENT 323690); same but 1.viii.2021, R. Velten & S. McElfresh, at UV, 2M, 1F (UCRC ENT 561188–90); same but 1760m, 31°24’56”N, 110°16’32”W, 21.vii.2004, D. Yanega, 2F, 2M (UCRC ENT 98270–74); same but 6000 ft, 28.vii.1989, W.B. Warner, UV light, 1M (ASULOB); Carr Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 1.viii.1952, M. Cazier, W. Gertsch, R. Schrammel, 3F (AMNH); Ash Canyon, 18.viii.1982, A. Reifschneider, 1M (UNSM); Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 1685m, 27.viii.2022, D. Yanega, 1F (UCRC ENT 559488); Garden Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 31°28’20”N, 110°21’8”W, 1640m, 27.viii.2011, D. Yanega, MV, 2F (UCRC ENT 308517–18); Copper Canyon, Huachuca Mts, 31°21’45”N, 110°18’01”W, 1850m, 8.vii.2010, D. Yanega, 1F (UCRC ENT 276159); Coconino Co.: 3.5 mi. S Sedona on Rt. 179, 4200 ft, T17N R6E Sec 30, 15.vi. 1983, R.T. Schuh, M.D. Schwartz, HG vapor, 1M (AMNH); Gila Co.: Sycamore Forest Camp, 7 mi. N Payson, 4600 ft, 13.viii.1950, T. Cohn, P. Boone, M. Cazier, 1F (AMNH); Maricopa Co.: 2 mi E Tortilla Flat, Superstition Mts, 23.viii.1982 S.H. Lin, 1F (UCRC ENT 126008); Pima Co.: Santa Rita Mts, N. end, Rosemont area, “Barrel Cn. r Sec. 28,” 31°48–53’N, 110°42–47’W, UV light, 10.ix.1975, J. Busacca, C. Olson, 1F (INHS 96445); Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mts, 8.viii.1986, M.A. Ivie, at light, 1F (MTEC); same but 23.viii.1971, E.A. Kane, C.E. Langston, 1M (CSCA); same but 13.viii.1952, M. Cazier, R. Schrammel, C. & P. Vaurie, 2F, 2M (AMNH); same but 19–20.vii.1978, D.C. Hawks, 1F (UCR ENT 122020); Santa Cruz Co.: Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mts, 14.viii.1968, R.L. Westcott, 1F (UDCC); same but 4600–5600 ft, 4.viii.1975, 1M (INHS 96443); same but 5600 ft, 31.vii.1968, D.N. Harrington, 1M (CSCA); same but 4880 ft, 18.vi.1965, 1F (CSCA); same but 2.ix.1960, F.G. Andrews, 1M (TAMU); same but 5.viii–3.ix.1978, L.L. Lampert. Jr., 1M (ASULOB; dissected); Santa Rita Canyon, 1870m, 31°42’06”N, 110°48’58”W, 31.vii.2002, D. Yanega, 3M (UCRC ENT 72839–41); same but 30.vii.2003, 4M (UCRC ENT 86125–28); same but 20.vii.2004, 3M (UCRC ENT 98474–76); Upper Madera Canyon, 31°42’47”N, 110°52’27”W, 7.vii.2010, D. Yanega, 2M (UCRC ENT 276019–20); Upper White Rocks Campground, Peña Blanca Lake, 1200m, 29.vii.2003, A.L. Park, Hg vapor light, 3M (UDCC); 13 mi S Patagonia, 2–3.ix.1997, Wappes & Turnbow, 1F (ASULOB); IDAHO: Owyhee Co.: Bruneau Sand Dunes, 15.vi– 10.ix.1982. L. Lampert, 1M (ASULOB); NEW MEXICO: Otero Co.: Pine Camp, 2 mi. NE Cloudcroft, 8600 ft, 3.vii.1964, F., P., & M. Rindge, 1M (AMNH); Fresnal Canyon, Sacramento Mts, 1785m, UV light, 32°56’50”N, 105°52’29”W, 10.viii.2003, E. Riley, 1F (TAMU); Socorro Co.: 0.8 mi S Kelly, 2265m, 34°04’25”N 107°12’18”W, 25.vii.2017, J.K. Adams, 1F, 3M (UCRC ENT 525197–200); UTAH: Washington Co.: Oak Creek, Zion National Park, 22.vii.1981, C.R. Nelson, 1M (ASULOB); MEXICO: Chihuahua: Cuiteco, 1.viii.1969, T.A. Sears, R.C. Gardner, C.S. Glaser, 1M (CSCA); same but 3.viii.1969, 1F (CSCA); 8 mi. W Matachic, 7200 ft, 8.vii.1947, “ D. Rockefeller Exp. ”, Cazier, 1M (AMNH).
Distribution. This species has the widest latitudinal distribution of any member of the genus, ranging from Chihuahua to Idaho (over 1700 km), and the widest altitudinal gradient (from 750 to over 2600 meters); it and orientalis are the only species other than marmorata known from any locations below 900 meters, though each has only one record below 1200 meters. It has been found from the southern edge of the Mogollon Rim to the Atascosa, Chiricahua, Huachuca, Patagonia, Peloncillo, Santa Rita, and Superstition ranges (all part of the Sky Islands), also extending well east of the Continental Divide (the Magdalena and Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico), north and west into Utah and Idaho, and south into the northern Sierra Madre Occidental at least as far as Matachic, Chihuahua. Given that there are so many locations at which this species and cristata can be collected together (sometimes along with metcalfi), it is possible that each species has a preferred host oak, and are sympatric where the hosts are sympatric, but further field investigation is required (i.e., forced rearing of this species on Quercus arizonica may not reflect choices in the wild; Gómez-Marco et al., 2023).
description: Published as part of 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, pp. 1-53 in Zootaxa 5443 (1) on pages 9-11, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5443.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/10997023