Brochosomes are ultramicroscopic reticulate bodies produced by the Malpighian tubules of leafhoppers. Brochosomes are usually either spherical (brochosomes-for-integument) or elongated (brochosomes-for-eggs). In this study, the Proconiini species were diagnosed according to their brochosomes-for-eggs. Brochosome-for-eggs traits and dichotomous key were also discussed. The specimens were collected in nine orchards of Citrus sinensis (Valencia orange), using yellow sticky traps. The orchards are located in seven counties in the state of Rio Grande do Sul: Tenente Portela, Ijuí, Jaguari, Harmonia, Taquari, Montenegro, and Pelotas. Data were collected from October 1999 to December 2000, and from October 2001 to March 2002. Seven species capable of producing brochosomes-for-eggs were identified: Acrogonia citrina Marucci & Cavichioli, Homalodisca ignorata Melichar, Molomea consolida Shröder, Molomea lineiceps Young, Molomea magna (Walker), Oncometopia facialis (Signoret), and Oncometopia fusca Melichar. This study shows that the diversity among brochosomes-for-eggs was a useful tool to identify the Proconiini species.
Chalky material; oviposition; taxonomy
