Current state of knowledge of the Typhlocybinae subfamily (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Argentina

Typhlocybinae is the second largest subfamily of Membracoidea in diversity of species, having more than 450 genera and 5000 species described worldwide, of which about 900 species are found in the Neotropical region. The phytosanitary importance of typhlocybines is due to the physical injury to plants, known as stippling or hopperburn, caused by the mechanical action of the mouthparts and saliva toxicity; and by transmission of pathogens such as phytoplasmas during feeding. In Argentina, the description of new taxa, inventories and systematic reviews of Hemiptera have increased in recent years. In the present contribution knowledge of the biodiversity of this subfamily is updated based on study of type materials and specimens obtained in different areas of Argentina. Information about the geographical distribution, host plants, type of damage and natural enemies of each species is also included. Two new species of genus Rhabdotalebra (Alebrini), two new species of Typhlocybella (Dikraneurini) and a new species of Neozygina (Erythroneurini) were described; and the tribe Jorumini, genus Joruma, is recorded in Argentina for the first time. As a result of this work, the Argentine fauna of Typhlocybinae now comprises 14 genera and 69 species. These are grouped in six tribes: Alebrini, Dikraneurini, Erythroneurini, Typhlocybini, Empoascini and Jorumini.