Tylocentrus
Van Duzee, 1908
Species Guides
2Tylocentrus is a of treehoppers in the Membracidae, Centrotinae, and tribe Platycentrini. Established by Van Duzee in 1908, this genus belongs to one of the more primitive membracid lineages, characterized by an exposed scutellum not covered by the expanded pronotum. in this genus exhibit the enlarged pronotal modifications typical of treehoppers, though generally less extreme than those seen in more derived subfamilies. The genus occurs in the New World, with documented species from Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tylocentrus: /tɪloʊˈsɛntrəs/
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Identification
Tylocentrus can be distinguished from other membracid by its placement in the primitive Centrotinae, where the scutellum remains visible and is not obscured by pronotal expansion. Within the tribe Platycentrini, it may be separated from related genera such as Platycentrus by specific pronotal and genitalic characters, though precise diagnostic features require examination of and specialized taxonomic literature. The genus shares the general centrotine body plan with a somewhat flattened, expanded pronotum that does not fully envelop the .
Images
Distribution
Mexico. At least one , Tylocentrus reticulatus, has been documented from Mexico based on museum collection records.
Similar Taxa
- PlatycentrusBoth belong to the tribe Platycentrini and share the primitive centrotine condition of an exposed scutellum, requiring careful examination of pronotal shape and male genitalia for separation.
- CampylocentrusAnother centrotine with exposed scutellum; differs in pronotal and geographic distribution, with Campylocentrus more widely distributed in the Neotropics.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Van Duzee in 1908, a prolific early 20th century hemipterist who described numerous membracid . The genus remains poorly studied relative to more speciose or morphologically striking genera.
Collection context
Specimens of Tylocentrus reticulatus have been identified in curated museum collections from Mexican material, indicating the is encountered in field surveys but may be underrepresented in published faunistic works due to its nondescript appearance relative to more dramatically ornamented membracids.