A New Cixiid Fossil Genus of the Tribe Acrotiarini from Mid-Cretaceous Burmese Amber (Insecta, Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha)

Abstract

A new Burmese amber genus Maculixiusgen. nov. with its type species Maculixius jiewenaesp. nov. is described in the planthopper family Cixiidae. This new genus is unique in Burmese Cixiidae by its forewing venation, with Pcu and A1 merging in the middle of clavus, the late bifurcation of ScP+R slightly after this level, and the early CuA forking well before this level. Although the head capsule is missing, it belongs to the recently described tribe Acrotiarini, based on the pentacarinated mesonotum and the distinctly arched RA on forewing with cell C1 wider submedially than apically. Morphological characteristics of Acrotiarini are discussed, and a key to identification of Acrotiarini genera is provided. The new taxon broadens the knowledge of the tribe, and it underlines the already great diversity of the family in the Cretaceous.