Ophiderma stonei
Ball, 1932
Ophiderma stonei is a in the Membracidae, Smiliinae, described by Ball in 1932. Like other members of its , it possesses the characteristic enlarged and often elaborately modified pronotum that distinguishes treehoppers from related leafhoppers. The species is known from Florida, USA, and belongs to a genus containing multiple North American species that can be challenging to distinguish without close examination.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ophiderma stonei: /ˌɒfɪˈdɜːrmə ˈstoʊnaɪ/
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Identification
Ophiderma are distinguished from other Smiliini by specific pronotal and genitalic characters. Accurate identification of O. stonei requires examination of the male genitalia and comparison with closely related species such as O. pubescens and O. definita. The pronotum typically extends posteriorly over the scutellum and wings, with species-specific patterns of carinae and surface texture.
Images
Distribution
Florida, USA
Similar Taxa
- Ophiderma pubescensOverlapping distribution and similar pronotal ; distinguished by male genitalic structure
- Ophiderma definitaSympatric in parts of range; requires genitalic examination for definitive separation
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Elmer Darwin Ball in 1932, this represents part of the diverse North American fauna that has received relatively limited modern taxonomic revision.