A phylogeny of the leafhopper tribe Paralimnini (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)

Paralimnini Distant 1908 is distributed worldwide and currently contains 127 genera and about 500 species. Most members of the tribe are closely associated with grass dominated habitats including North America prairies, pampas in South America, the steppes of central Asia, and African savannahs. Based on both morphological and molecular data Paralimnini is a monophyletic group (although some currently unplaced genera should be included as should some genera currently placed in Deltocephalini) sister to Deltocephalini. Members of the Paralimnini can be recognized by having a connective that is typically wider at the base of the anterior arms and articulated with the aedeagus contrasting with Deltocephalini which in which the aedeagus and connective are fused. Molecular phylogenetic analysis is currently underway and preliminary results will be presented. In addition, the biogeographic implications of this analysis will be discussed.