Telamona spreta
Goding, 1893
Telamona spreta is a Nearctic described by Goding in 1893. As a member of the tribe Telamonini, it possesses the characteristic enlarged pronotum that distinguishes treehoppers (Membracidae) from related leafhoppers. The Telamona is to North America and contains numerous species with diverse pronotal modifications. T. spreta has been recorded from the north-central United States and adjacent Canadian provinces.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Telamona spreta: //tɛˈlɑːmoʊnə ˈsprɛtə//
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Identification
Members of Telamona are distinguished from related by their pronotal structure: the pronotal process is typically reduced or absent, and the surface lacks prominent spines or horns found in genera such as Cyrtolobus or Ophiderma. Specific identification of T. spreta requires examination of pronotal shape, coloration patterns, and male genitalia. The is smaller than many Telamona species, with a relatively unadorned pronotum compared to the more elaborately ornamented members of the genus.
Images
Distribution
Recorded from Alberta, Manitoba (Canada), and Illinois, Iowa, Michigan (United States). The appears restricted to the north-central Nearctic region.
Similar Taxa
- Telamona decoraOverlaps in distribution (Missouri, Illinois); T. decora has a more prominently elevated pronotum with distinct color patterning.
- Cyrtolobus speciesSympatric treehoppers with enlarged pronota; distinguished by Cyrtolobus having prominent pronotal projections and more complex ornamentation.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Telamona was revised by Ball in the early 20th century, who described numerous including several that remain poorly known. Many Telamona species are difficult to identify without male specimens and adequate comparative material.