A New Comprehensive Generic Framework for Tettigometra Latreille, 1804 s.l.: A Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Revision of the Tribe Tettigometrini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)

TL;DR

This paper redefines the taxonomy of the Tettigometra genus using male genital morphology, creating a new framework for better species identification and future research.

Contribution

A new taxonomic framework for Tettigometrini using male genital morphology, introducing five new genera and emphasizing nomenclatural stability.

Findings

Fourteen distinct valid genera were identified, five of which are newly described.

Male genital structures were found to be the most reliable diagnostic characters.

A conservative approach was used to avoid unsubstantiated species descriptions.

Abstract

The taxonomy of the traditionally broad genus Tettigometra Latreille, 1804, s.l. has long been problematic, largely due to the lack of clear diagnostic characters, conflicting identification keys, and the accumulation of inconsistent species assignments and synonymies. Based on an extensive comparative analysis of male genital morphology from both historical literature and museum collections, this study redefines the generic framework of the Tettigometrini into fourteen distinct valid genera, five of which are newly described. The genera are diagnosed primarily on male genital structures and are arranged into two informal taxonomic groups, following a conservative and operational taxonomic approach that is discussed. Accordingly, also several undescribed or misinterpreted forms that may represent new species are addressed, although we refrained from formally describing new species or accepting unsubstantiated synonymies, preferring instead to retain potentially distinct forms as provisionally valid species pending confirmation through future molecular data. We believe that this approach ensures greater nomenclatural stability while preserving the flexibility required for future integrative revisions. While this new morphological framework provides a robust basis for species identification and clarifies long-standing ambiguities, it still requires molecular confirmation. Nevertheless, it establishes a coherent foundation for future molecular, ecological, biogeographic, and phylogenetic studies of Tettigometrini.

The taxonomy of Tettigometra Latreille, 1804 s.l. (Hemiptera, Tettigometridae, Tettigometrini) has long remained unstable due to weak diagnostic characters, conflicting interpretations, and frequent misidentifications. Based on extensive examination of the illustrated literature and major museum collections, a new generic framework is proposed, relying primarily on comparative analyses of male genital morphology (particularly the mediodorsal aedeagal process and paired ventral anal processes) while external morphology alone is shown to be unreliable for stable delimitation. In discussing the need for a taxonomy that is both phylogenetically grounded and operational, allowing reliable identifications, preserving compatibility with past determinations despite the lack of molecular evidence, and remaining flexible enough to accommodate future results, we recognize two informal taxonomic groups and fourteen genera. The tettigometrinan group includes Tettigometra, Brachyceps, Metroplaca, Mimarada, Mediodentometra
gen. nov., and Persiametra
gen. nov.; the apexometrinan group includes Apexometra
gen. nov., Erratometra
gen. nov., Eurychila, Hystrigonia, Micracanthometra
gen. nov., Mitricephalus, Stirometra, and Macrometrina. Following a conservative and operational taxonomic approach, we refrained from describing new species or accepting unsubstantiated synonymies, preferring to retain potentially distinct forms as provisionally valid species pending molecular confirmation. Each taxon is listed with its taxonomic and nomenclatural status, diagnosis, species composition, and distribution. Problematic taxa and misapplied names are clarified, and a key to genera is provided.

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