Phylogeny and morphological character evolution in the Idiocerus group (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

What is it about?

The higher classification of the diverse, globally-distributed arboreal leafhopper Eurymelinae (sensu lato) has been recently revised based on a phylogenetic analysis using molecular and morphological characters. Within the largest tribe, Idiocerini, prior analysis supported recognition of an informal “Idiocerus group” comprising genera restricted to the Holarctic. To resolve relationships among genera within this group, test prior generic concepts, and examine the stability of morphological characters previously used to diagnose genera, a more detailed molecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted. The results consistently support the monophyly of the Idiocerus group. The genera Chinaocerus Zhang & Li, 2016, Koreocerus Kwon, 1985, Nabicerus Kwon, 1985, Parocerus Vilbaste, 1980, Populicerus Dlabola, 1974 and Rhytidodus Fieber, 1872 were recovered with high support but excluding Balcanocerus Maldonado-Capriles, 1971. Two strongly supported clades were revealed within the Idiocerus group. Ancestral character state reconstructions based on the molecular phylogeny revealed that most morphological characters previously used to define genera show little or no homoplasy.

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