Stictopelta nova
Goding, 1892
Stictopelta nova is a in the Membracidae, Darninae, first described by Goding in 1892. Like other members of the Stictopelta, it possesses the characteristic enlarged and often elaborately modified pronotum typical of treehoppers. The species has been documented from Mexico, with nine specimens identified from Oaxaca in a recent taxonomic study. Treehoppers in the subfamily Darninae are primarily Neotropical in distribution.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stictopelta nova: /stɪktoʊˈpɛltə ˈnoʊvə/
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Identification
Stictopelta nova can be distinguished from by specific pronotal and structural features, though detailed diagnostic characters require examination of and specialized taxonomic literature. Within the Stictopelta, S. nova is one of several occurring in Mexico and the southwestern United States, including S. marmorata, S. pulchella, and S. varians. Accurate identification to species level in this genus typically requires examination of the pronotal shape, coloration patterns, and male genitalia.
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Distribution
Mexico (Oaxaca). GBIF records also indicate presence in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Yucatán, though these may represent related or require verification.
Similar Taxa
- Stictopelta pulchellaOccurs sympatrically in Mexico; distinguished by specific pronotal and coloration differences
- Stictopelta variansMexican with overlapping distribution; requires detailed morphological comparison for separation
- Stictopelta marmorataOccurs in Texas and potentially adjacent Mexico; differs in pronotal pattern and structure
More Details
Taxonomic Context
Stictopelta nova belongs to the tribe Darnini within Darninae, a largely Neotropical group of treehoppers. The Stictopelta contains multiple distributed across Mexico, the southwestern United States, and South America. The species was among 30 new species added to a private collection following expert identification by membracid Chris Dietrich in 2009.