The Canadian Species of Epiptera (Homoptera: Achilidae)

Extract

Fulgorids of the genus Epiptera Metcalf are well represented in the Canadian fauna, probably because they are associated with conifers. Metcalf (1938. Gen. Cat. Hemip. IV, Part 10) listed 12 North American species, of which seven had been recorded from Canada. Ten species are represented by specimens from Canada in the Canadian National Collection. Two of these are previously undescribed. As there has been much confusion among certain species of this genus, due partly to misinterpretations of some of the original descriptions, it is probable that previous Canadian records for some species were based on mis-identifications. The species show external characters that are usually of good specific value, although there is some variation. The colour and type of markings of the face and the shape of the vertex are of particular value. The male genitalia exhihit good specific characters in the form and structure of the acdoeagus (Figs. 8-12).