Redescription of Pintalia variegata (Fabricius, 1803) from Trinidad and Suriname (Fulgoromorpha: Delphacoidea: Cixiidae)

Abstract

The species Pintalia variegata (Fabricius, 1803) was previously only known from the short original description and a short redescription by Stål. Here the species is redescribed from material collected in Trinidad and Suriname in the 20th century. The species is morphologically distinct among Pintalia species based on headshape, spinulation of the hindlegs and male genitalia. Synapomorphies with Pintalia consobrina Stål, 1862 are presented and discussed. Our results highlight the importance of revisiting the taxa described historically using modern morphological patterns for a comprehensive reassessment of the generic boundaries in Pintalia.  The species Pintalia variegata (Fabricius, 1803) was previously only known from the short original description and a short redescription by Stål. Here the species is redescribed from material collected in Trinidad and Suriname in the 20th century. The species is morphologically distinct among Pintalia species based on headshape, spinulation of the hindlegs and male genitalia. Synapomorphies with Pintalia consobrina Stål, 1862 are presented and discussed. Our results highlight the importance of revisiting the taxa described historically using modern morphological patterns for a comprehensive reassessment of the generic boundaries in Pintalia.&nbsp