Melanoliarus

Fennah, 1945

Species Guides

46

Melanoliarus is a of cixiid planthoppers ( Cixiidae) containing approximately 50 described . The genus was elevated from subgenus rank in 2001–2002 to accommodate New World species previously classified under the widespread genus Oliarus. Species are common and widespread across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions.

Melanoliarus by (c) Hopper Museum, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hopper Museum. Used under a CC-BY license.Melanoliarus by (c) Hopper Museum, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hopper Museum. Used under a CC-BY license.Melanoliarus by (c) Hopper Museum, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Hopper Museum. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melanoliarus: //ˌməˌlænoʊˈlaɪərəs//

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Identification

Melanoliarus can be distinguished from the related Oliarus by their New World distribution and morphological features that led to their taxonomic separation. As cixiid planthoppers, they possess the characteristic elongate body form and wing structure typical of the . Specific diagnostic features require examination of genitalic structures and wing venation patterns.

Images

Distribution

Nearctic and Neotropical regions. are common and widespread throughout these regions.

Similar Taxa

  • OliarusMelanoliarus was originally described as a subgenus of Oliarus and was elevated to rank based on phylogenetic studies showing that New World 'Oliarus' formed a distinct clade separate from Old World Oliarus. The two genera are morphologically similar and were historically confused.

Sources and further reading