Lacertina Remes Lenicov & Rossi Batiz

Rossi, María F., De, Ana M. M. & Lenicov, Remes, 2011, A new genus and species of Saccharosydnini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae) from Argentina, Zootaxa 3118, pp. 62-68 : 63-64

Lacertina Remes Lenicov & Rossi Batiz , gen. nov.

Type species: Lacertina australis Remes Lenicov & Rossi Batiz , sp. nov.

Description. Fairly flat, broad and medium-sized delphacids.

Vertex large, apically conical and rounded in dorsal view; considerably protruded in front of eyes; carinae of vertex and frons distinct; each basal compartment of vertex as wide as eye in same line; Y-shaped carina exceeding anterior margin of eyes, submedian carinae widely separated, running parallel and converging at apex into a transverse carina; lateral carinae continuing on frons. Frons oval, length twice its maximum width; in profile, flat to slightly convex, basally reclined almost at a 30º angle; lateral carinae convex, submedian carina subparallel, divergent and less distinctive basally, delimiting a moderately inflated, snout-like area. Rostrum attaining middle coxae; subapical segment longer than apical segment. Antennae short, cylindrical, second segment longer than first segment, not reaching frontoclypeal suture. Pronotum relatively wide, about 3X as wide as long; pronotum and mesonotum combined slightly longer than vertex (1.20:1). Wings slender with rounded apex, about 5X longer than maximum width; hyaline, extending largely beyond abdomen. Spinal formula of hind leg: 7–8–4. Male and female genitalia see descriptions under Lacertina australis Remes Lenicov & Rossi Batiz , sp. nov. below.

Etymology. The generic name lacertina (feminine gender) comes from the Latin, meaning "pertaining to a lizard" and refers to the resemblance to lizards by the elongate shape of the head.

Remarks. This genus can be distinguished from all other known genera of Saccharosydnini by the vertex and frons tetra-carinated; body relatively flat and uniformly coloured; antennae short; male pygofer with strongly produced lateral margin, without ventral process; and male parameres divergent and apically obliquely truncate, with rounded internal and acute external angles.

Distribution. Argentina.