Journal of Insect Biodiversity

**A new species of Ilithucia (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Ceresini) and a key to known species based on holotypes and original descriptions**

JUANITA RODRÍGUEZ-SERRANO — 2025-11-26

The Neotropical genus Ilithucia Stål, 1867 (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Smiliinae: Ceresini) comprises a distinctive group of treehoppers primarily distributed across the Andean highlands in South America. Historically, its taxonomy has been entangled with that of closely related genera such as Antonae, due to overlapping morphological traits. Although species boundaries within Ilithucia remain complex, this study contributes to resolve these uncertainties through a comprehensive revision based on museum specimens from various collections. In this endeavor, we describe Ilithucia colombiana Rodríguez-Serrano & Raupach sp. nov., a new species from Colombian montane ecosystems, distinguished by its yellow-ochre coloration, distinctive suprahumeral processes, and unique genital morphology. The new species reinforces the morphological cohesion of the genus and expands its known geographic and altitudinal distribution. An updated dichotomous identification key to all currently recognized species is provided for the first time. Finally, we highlight the essential role of museum collections in biodiversity research, particularly for groups inhabiting remote or threatened ecosystems such as the Andean páramos.

Contribution of small bromeliads in maintaining arboreal ant diversity (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

LAÍS DA SILVA BOMFIM — 2025-11-26

Ants are among the most abundant and ecologically significant organisms in terrestrial ecosystems, playing crucial roles due to their remarkable diversity and extensive interactions with other species. In the Atlantic Forest, many ant species inhabit the forest canopy and use epiphytes as microhabitats for foraging and nesting. This study aimed to investigate the occupancy patterns of small bromeliads by arboreal ants for nesting, focusing on specific morphological traits of the plants. We collected and analyzed 148 bromeliads from experimental areas at the Cocoa Research Center in Ilhéus, Bahia. Bromeliad parameters (size and height on the host tree) were recorded and compared between individuals with and without ant nests located at their bases (leaf axils and roots). Ants were found in 31.1% of the bromeliads sampled, including eight instances of cohabitation involving two or more species. We identified 21 ant species (86% native and 14% exotic) from 13 genera and five subfamilies, with Myrmicinae and Formicinae being the most prevalent. No significant relationship was found between nesting and the height or morphological features of the bromeliads. Nevertheless, a notable diversity of associated fauna was recorded, comprising at least 11 distinct animal orders. These findings provide valuable insights into the diversity of organisms associated with small bromeliads and underscore the potential of simple sampling strategies to yield rich ecological data. Our results reinforce the ecological importance of epiphytic plants in sustaining canopy biodiversity in tropical forests.

**Five new species of Pilobalia Burmeister, 1875 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from Peruvian Andes**

ALFREDO E. GIRALDO-MENDOZA — 2025-11-26

Five new species of darkling beetles, Pilobalia distopica sp. nov., Pilobalia vallejoi sp. nov., Pilobalia carrioni sp. nov., Pilobalia erythrura sp. nov. and Pilobalia bicarinata sp. nov. (Pimeliinae: Nycteliini) are described and illustrated on the basis of specimens collected in Peruvian regions of Cajamarca, La Libertad, Pasco, Lima and Apurimac respectively. Morphological comparisons are made with similar species recorded in neighboring localities. Descriptions, diagnosis, illustrations and distribution maps are provided for the new species.