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Issue: Vol. 5723 No. 4: 27 Nov. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-11-27
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5723.4.6
Page range: 565-576
Abstract views: 65
PDF downloaded: 5

First description of ant-mutualism, nymphal morphology and vibrational signals in the genus Nicomia Stål (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Nicomiinae)

Grupo Biología CES; Universidad CES; Medellín; Colombia; Department of Entomology; the Pennsylvania State University; State College; USA
Universidad CES; Medellín; Colombia
Department of Entomology; the Pennsylvania State University; State College; USA
Department of Biological Sciences; University of Missouri; Columbia; USA
Hemiptera nymphs ants treehopper new record

Abstract

We report for the first time ant mutualism in treehoppers of the genus Nicomia Stål (Membracidae: Nicomiinae), observed within ant shelters constructed by ants of the genus Pheidole Westwood (Myrmicinae). The nymphs of Nicomia pulchella Albertson are described for the first time, and their morphological similarities with other membracid groups possessing cryptic nymphs are discussed. We recorded vibrational signals of N. pulchella produced within nymph and adult aggregations while interacting with ants, and signals made from two adults of Nicomia cf. jucunda Albertson. Additionally, this study provides the first record of the genus Nicomia for Colombia.

 

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How to Cite

Flórez-V, C., Quintero-M, S., Urban, J.M. & Cocroft, R.B. (2025) First description of ant-mutualism, nymphal morphology and vibrational signals in the genus Nicomia Stål (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Nicomiinae). Zootaxa, 5723 (4), 565–576. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.4.6