Aetalion nervosopunctatum
Signoret, 1852
Aetalion nervosopunctatum is a in the Aetalionidae, representing one of the more primitive lineages within the superfamily Membracoidea. The species was described by Signoret in 1852 and is known from southern Mexico and the southwestern United States. As with other aetalionids, it lacks the dramatically expanded pronotum characteristic of most Membracidae, retaining a more generalized body form. Two have been recognized: the nominate form A. n. nervosopunctatum from Mexico and A. n. minor from Arizona.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aetalion nervosopunctatum: /ˌaɪtəˈliːən ˌnɜːrvoʊsoʊpʌŋkˈteɪtəm/
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Identification
Distinguished from the related Membracidae by the exposed scutellum, which is not covered by an expanded pronotum. The pronotum is relatively unmodified compared to the bizarrely ornamented forms seen in many membracid treehoppers. Specific identification features for A. nervosopunctatum are not documented in the provided sources; specimens have been identified by Chris Dietrich.
Distribution
Southern Mexico (Durango, Oaxaca region) and southwestern United States (Arizona). The nominate A. n. nervosopunctatum occurs in Mexico, while A. n. minor is found in Arizona.
Similar Taxa
- Aetalion reticulatumCongeneric occurring in Argentina and Uruguay; distinguished by distribution and presumably by subtle morphological differences in the reticulate patterning
- Membracidae (family)Most treehoppers belong to this and are distinguished by having the scutellum covered by a greatly expanded pronotum; Aetalionidae retain the primitive exposed scutellum condition