Diversification in oak-feeding American treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Smiliini): A monophyletic group?

Based on the parsimony analysis of 90 morphological characters, the first hypothesis of the cladistic relationships among 22 of the 23 genera within the tribe Smiliini is presented. Results show two major clades within the tribe, but generic concepts remain ambiguous and are in need of further scrutiny. Structures important in elucidating smiliine relationships include the pronotum, wing venation, and male and female genitalia. Most smiliines are found in the United States and although they have been collected from 15 plant families, most are known only from the Fagaceae (especially Quercus spp.).