On the Status of Otiocerus coquebertii rubidus Osborn 1938 (Derbidae: Otiocerinae: Otiocerini)

Abstract

The derbid planthopper genus Otiocerus Kirby consists of 15 species distributed primarily in the eastern United States and Mesoamerica (Bourgoin 2022). A key to the genus for US Derbidae is found in Bartlett et al. (2014), and a key to eastern US species in Bartlett et al. (2011). Members of the genus (Figs. 1, 2) are fragile, approximately 8-10 mm in length, head strongly dorsoventrally flattened and strongly anteriorly projecting, dorsum of the head straight (fastigium obtusely angular in lateral view), antennae with appendages (e.g., Bartlett et al. 2014, fig. 64E), wings much longer than the abdomen, usually pale in coloration with diagnostically patterned wings. The most similar genera are Apache Kirkaldy (Bartlett et al. 2014, fig. 67E; red or rose in coloration, dorsum of head sinuate, the apex of wings inflected upward) and Shellenius Ball (Bartlett et al. 2014, fig. 67H; dorsum of the head straight to weakly sinuate, fastigium rounded in lateral view). These genera are assumed to feed on fungal hyphae as nymphs and may overwinter as nymphs or adults in rotting logs or similar situations.