Two amazing new species of treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) fromColombia: Calloconophora estellae sp. nov. and Problematode robertoi sp. nov.

Abstract

Two new species of treehoppers are described from Colombia: Calloconophora estellae sp. nov. and Problematode robertoi sp. nov. The first from the Western foothills of the Cordillera Occidental, and Eastern foothills of the North of the Cordillera Central toward the Magdalena Medio region. Problematode robertoi sp. nov. is described from highlands, nearby Los Nevados National Natural Park. Description of the nymphs, notes on their biology, and comments about the taxonomic position and distribution of each species are included. This is the first record of a Calloconophora species secreting a waxy substance on branches close to eggs and/or nymphs, and the first record of the genus Problematode in Colombia (previously only known from Venezuela). Additionally, based on characters of a late-instar nymph exuviae, the position of Problematode within the Membracidae subfamilies is discussed.