Empoa unifasciata

Hamilton, 1983

Empoa unifasciata is a of leafhopper in the Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae. It was described as a new species from eastern Canada in 1983 and belongs to the gillettei complex—a group of 14 Nearctic species characterized by identical male genitalia. The species is distinguished from primarily by coloration and pattern, particularly a single pale band on the forewings.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Empoa unifasciata: /ˈɛm.po.ə ˌjuː.nɪfæˈʃiːeɪ.tə/

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Identification

Empoa unifasciata is distinguished from other members of the gillettei complex by its characteristic single pale band (unifasciata = "one-banded") on the forewings. The 14 in this complex share identical male genitalia, making external morphological features—particularly color pattern and plant associations—critical for identification. The species was originally described from eastern Canada based on specimens with this distinctive wing pattern.

Distribution

Eastern Canada, specifically recorded from Ontario and Québec.

Similar Taxa

  • Typhlocyba gillettei complex14 Nearctic including E. unifasciata share identical male genitalia; distinguished by color pattern and associations
  • Typhlocyba bellaAnother new described in the same revision from eastern Canada, distinguished by different color pattern

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Sources and further reading