A new species of the genus Aphrodes Curtis from the Azores (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae)

Abstract

As a result of an ecological project on the existing native laurel forests (laurisilva) in the Azores, Aphrodes hamiltoni n. sp. was collected using the pitfall technique. The new species was always found beneath the surface litter of these woods and on the following islands: S. Maria, S. Miguel, Terceira, S. Jorge, Pico, Faial and Flores. It appears as an endemic species for the Azores, being readily distinguished from all remaining taxa within Aphrodes Curtis by the typical spines in the apical part of the aedeagus. Compared with other endemic Azorean arthropods sampled recently, Aphrodes hamiltoni n. sp. is a common species not particularly under threat and appears as a good indicator of sites rich in endemic arthropods. Consequently, the new species will be highly valued in monitoring programmes to evaluate the conservation status of the native forests of the Azores.