A new species of Oecleus (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) from the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica

Recent palm survey work in Costa Rica focusing on planthoppers has resulted in the discovery of several new taxa, primarily in Cixiidae and Derbidae. In addition to sampling palms directly, light trapping has been utilized to collect a broader range of planthoppers that may not be found on palms. During a light trapping event at the Cotinga Biological station on the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica, a cixiid was collected and subsequently determined to be an unidentified species in the genus Oecleus Stal. Herein, the novel taxon, Oecleus urru sp. n., is described. Supplemental molecular data for the barcoding region (5' half) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene is provided to support the placement of the novel taxon in the genus Oecleus.

Automated summary

Recent survey work in Costa Rica has led to the discovery of new planthopper species, primarily in Cixiidae and Derbidae. The study used light trapping in addition to direct sampling of palms, resulting in the collection of a previously unidentified species in the genus Oecleus. The newly described taxon, Oecleus urru sp. n., is supported by molecular data.