Diversity in the New World Membracidae

Abstract

synthesis of information, but this process is offset by major gaps in basic life-history information. In this review, I attempt to identify morpho­ logical, geographical, behavioral, ecological, taxonomic, and life-history patterns that characterize the extant New World membracid (treehopper) fauna. Recognition of these patterns may provide insight into the processes that promoted phylogenetic divergences in the family and will enhance our understanding of the forces contributing to insect biodiversity in general. Inferred cause and effect in the multivariate interactions, outlined below, can only be taken as proposed hypotheses. These, of course, will require rigorous testing in the future. The Metcalf & Wade catalog (77, 78) details the membracid literature up to 1956 (29), while two other excellent bibliographies (28, 29) cover the more recent literature. Because space here is limited, only recent and selected references from these bibliographies are cited; nevertheless, lowe a great debt to workers not cited in this review.