D3527: Hyperdiversity of the raindrop treehoppers (Membracidae: Darninae)

A group of 9 raindrop-shaped treehopper genera is revised, including re-description of the 43 preexisting species and description at least 400 new species. Some genera are based on forewing features that vary intraspecifically and even within single specimens, or on color, which can vary significantly between genders of some species. Consequently, some of these genera lack support. A morphological data matrix drawing from all body segments and appendages is used for a phylogenetic estimate to identify better, more stable genus-level characters. All species are solitary as nymphs and adults, making male-female associations difficult. When possible, therefore, species limits and male-female associations are substantiated by CO1 barcodes. Nymphs are cryptic so rarely seen or associated with adults so, although they appear to exhibit features that are potentially useful at the genus level, more assciations are needed before they can be included in the study.