Acusana
DeLong, 1942
Species Guides
11Acusana is a of leafhoppers in the Cicadellidae, tribe Gyponini. The genus was established by DeLong in 1942. Members are classified within the Iassinae, a group of relatively robust leafhoppers. The genus contains multiple distributed primarily in the Americas.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acusana: //ˈæ.kjuː.sɑː.nə//
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Identification
Acusana can be distinguished from other Gyponini by the acutely angled or pointed , which gives the genus its name (from Latin 'acus' meaning needle or sharp point). The pronotum is typically broad and the overall body form is more robust than many other leafhopper genera. Male genitalia characteristics, particularly the structure of the and pygofer, are used for definitive species-level identification within the genus.
Distribution
of Acusana are known from North, Central, and South America. Records indicate presence in the United States (particularly southern regions), Mexico, and Central American countries. The appears to have its greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Similar Taxa
- GyponaBoth belong to tribe Gyponini and share robust body forms, but Gypona have a more rounded or bluntly angled rather than the sharply pointed head characteristic of Acusana.
- CloanthanusAnother Gyponini with similar overall , but differs in shape and male genitalia structure; Acusana is distinguished by its more acutely produced head.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Acusana was erected by Dwight M. DeLong in 1942 to accommodate previously placed in Gypona that exhibited a distinctly pointed or acutely angled . The type species is Acusana acuminata (Van Duzee, 1909), originally described as Gypona acuminata.