Biosystematic studies on the spittlebug genus Philaenus with the description of a new species

Populations of the genus Philaenus were collected during the last 12 years at several places in Greece ranging in altitude from sea level to 2000 m. Within some of these populations the species P. spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758), which is widely distributed in Greece, and the Mediterranean species P. signatus (Melichar, 1896) occurred together. These two species can be easily distinguished by the size of the adults, and more precisely by internal genital structures. Surprisingly, some mountainous populations of P. spumarius also contained a new species. Externally the new species closely resembled P. spumarius , but careful examination of the male genitalia provided clear identification characteristics. The new species comprised one bisexual common colour morph similar to populi of P. spumarius and P. signatus and two rare unisexual morphs which are lacking both in P. spumarius and P. signatus. The new species occurred only at altitudes above 1200 m on Eryngium spp. (Umbelliferae) between June and August.