The Sertão Leaf Katydid – a new genus of Pterochrozinae Walker, 1870 (Insecta, Orthoptera) from the Caatinga in Northeastern Brazil
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Pterochrozinae are katydids endemic to the Neotropics, commonly known as peacock or leaf katydids. Several areas in the Neotropical are poorly sampled for leaf katydids, and there are few experts working with this group. Most of Pterochrozinae diversity occurs in rainforests, while only a single genus occurs in the savannic Cerrado, and no Pterochrozinae is known for the Caatinga, a semi-arid biome. Here, we present a new Pterochrozinae genus and species, Metallacantha aculeata Engelking, Ghirotto, Fianco, Sobral, Silva-Neto & Mendes gen. et sp. nov., from the Caatinga. The new genus can be distinguished from all other Pterochrozinae by its robust body, enlarged legs, large and flat hind tibial spines, and extremely shortened hind wings. We describe the new genus and species based on three adult females, three adult males, and one nymph from different areas in the Southern Sertanejo Depression of the Caatinga biome, Brazil, also presenting notes on its biology, acoustics, and behavior. Furthermore, we present discussions on the relationship of some Pterochrozinae genera.
Source: European Journal of Taxonomy
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas, Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
OpenAlex ID: W4413305651