Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Spittiebugs (Homoptera: Cercopidae) Associated with Graminoids in Colombia and Ecuador

Resumen

The diversity and geographic distribution of spittIebugs (Homoptera: Cercopidae) associated with wild and cultivated graminoids was analyzed in order to summarize and divulge new information on the distribution, host plants and nomenclature of the economically important species. Distribution records of spittlebug species were obtained from field collections and observations as well as the revision of specimens in four different museum collections. Data were obtained for 21 of the 32 Colombian departments and nine of the 20 Ecuadorian provinces. The presence of 15 species in Colombia and eight in Ecuador was confirmed for a total of 18 species from seven genera: Aeneolamia, tsozutie, Mahanarva, ttotozulte, Prosapia, Sphenorhina and Zulia . A change in nornenclature was found for Z. carbonaria , incorrectIy known in Colombia as Z. colombiana . Seven species were reported for the first time in Colom bia. 1Wo of those are new specíes. Mahanarva sp. nov. from the Amazonía of Colombia and Ecuador and coastal Ecuador, and Zulia sp. nov. from the Pacific Coast of Colombia and Ecuador. Another specles. N. entreriana in the Dept. of Meta, represents a possible introduction from Brazil, and the species P. simulans in the Dept of Valle del Cauca represents a possible new invader from Central America. The host list for Colombia and Ecuador includes 26 species of graminoids. For each spittlebug species the host plants. distribution at the level of country, department and provínce. and taxonomic notes are summarized. Given that the composition of the spittIebug complex varies substantially among regions, the implications of this taxonomic diversity for pest management is discussed.