Abstract
Here we describe three cixiid species new to science which we assign to the hitherto monotypic genus Ferricixius Hoch & Ferreira, 2012 from Brazil. Ferricixius michaeli sp. nov. and F. goliathi sp. nov. of the new species arelike the type species Ferricixius davidi Hoch &Ferreira, 2012obligately cavernicolous and display varying degrees of troglomorphy, such as the reduction of compound eyes, wings, and bodily pigmentation, while F. urieli sp. nov. displays well developed compound eyes and wings, andalthough so far only found inside cavesis ecologically classified as either epigean, or subtroglophile. We provide a modified diagnosis for the genus and an identification key to the species of Ferricixius, as well as information on the distribution, ecology, and habitat of the three new species herein described. Evolutionary implications are discussed, and adaptive shifts from epigean to subterranean habitat are presumed to be the most likely scenario underlying the evolution of cave dwelling Ferricixius.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
