Taxonomic Revision of the Oriental Planthopper Genus Putala, with Description of a New Species and Resurrection of the Genus Avephora (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Dictyopharidae)

Abstract

There has been confusion regarding the taxonomy and distribution of species in the dictyopharid planthopper genus PutalaMelichar, 1903. Based on critical review and examination of parts of type material, Putala is revised and restricted in southern Asia of the Oriental region. Three Putala species are recognized in the genus, including a new species: Putala maculata Distant, 1906; Putala rostrataMelichar, 1903; and Putala spinula sp. nov. The genus Avephora Bierman stat. rev. is resurrected from synonymy with Dictyophara Germar, 1833 and reestablished here as a valid genus. Four recognized Avephora species are Avephora eugeniae (Stål, 1859) comb. nov.; Avephora brachycephala (Distant, 1906) comb, nov.; Avephora rugosa (Shakila-Mushtaq, 1991) comb. nov.; and Avephora hazarensis (Shakila-Mushtaq, 1991) comb. nov.; the latter three species are from Putala. One new generic and two new specific synonyms are suggested: AvephoraBierman, 1910= ElectryoneKirkaldy, 1913 syn. nov.; Avephora eugeniae (Stål, 1859) comb. nov. = Electryone macaonicaKirkaldy, 1913 syn. nov.; and Philotheria apicemaculata (Stål, 1855) = Putala figurata (Gerstaecker, 1895 nec. Singh-Pruthi, 1925) syn. nov. Photographs of all species of Putala and parts of Avephora are presented. Descriptions of the two genera and their included species are provided together with structural illustrations of male genitalia. Distribution map and keys to the species of the both genera are provided. First description and illustration of male genitalia as well as photograph of Philotheria apicata (Melichar) also are provided to distinguish it easily from Putala species.