Cixiini

Spinola, 1839

Genus Guides

Cixiini is a tribe of planthoppers in the Cixiidae, first described by Spinola in 1839. Molecular and morphological analyses have shown this tribe to be non-monophyletic, indicating it does not represent a single evolutionary lineage. The tribe contains multiple distributed across Australia and other regions, with several Australian genera (Leades, Yamirrina, Latissima) being . Members feed on vascular plants, with some associated with specific plants including tree ferns.

Cixius stigmatus by (c) jimeckert49, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Cixius meridionalis by (c) Matt Bowser, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Bowser. Used under a CC-BY license.

Cixius nervosus by (c) Sandy Rae, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cixiini: //sɪkˈsaɪ.ɪˌnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Australian Cixiini can be distinguished using identification keys that separate Leades, Yamirrina, Monomalpha, Latissima, and other genera based on morphological characters. Specific characters distinguishing these genera include features of the , wings, and male genitalia, though detailed diagnostic traits require examination of the original taxonomic literature.

Images

Distribution

Global distribution with notable Australian . Australian records include Queensland, New South Wales (mainland and Lord Howe Island), and south-western Australia. The Iolania is to Hawaii and absent from Australia. Genera Leades and Yamirrina are endemic to Australia. Latissima is endemic to Queensland, Australia.

Diet

Feed on vascular plants. plant relationships have been documented for some , including the first recorded association of an Australian cixiid with the tree fern Cyatheaceae.

Host Associations

Cyatheaceae - plantFirst record of an Australian cixiid from the tree fern

Similar Taxa

Other Cixiidae tribesCixiini is non-monophyletic and requires revision; other tribes in Cixiidae may represent more natural groupings

More Details

Taxonomic status

Cixiini is currently recognized as non-monophyletic, indicating that the tribe as presently defined does not represent a single evolutionary lineage and requires taxonomic revision.

Australian research focus

Recent taxonomic work has focused heavily on Australian Cixiini, with multiple new (Yamirrina, Latissima) and described, and identification keys produced for Australian genera.