Geographic and Seasonal Variation in Size and Color of Adult Corn Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Mexico

Abstract

We describe variation in wing length, head width, and color of the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott), in Mexico from 21 sites at nearctic and neotropical latitudes, from low ( 700 m) elevations, and wet season (June) and irrigated dry season (October) maize habitats. Female and male D. maidis were collected from 21 sites located from 15.72° N to 25.48° N latitude and 2–1,203 m elevation. Females and males from the northern nearctic latitudes were larger and darker than leafhoppers from the southern Neotropical latitudes. Elevation did not affect the size or color of female or male leafhoppers. At an irrigated site where maize is cultivated all year (Colima), females and males collected in October had longer wings than leafhoppers collected in June. At a nonirrigated site (Zapopan) where maize is cultivated only in the wet season, females collected in June had longer wings, wider heads, and were darker than females collected in October. Compared with leafhoppers living in irrigated maize habitats, D. maidis from maize cultivated only in the wet season have significant variations in body size and color, suggesting D. maidis adapts to survive seasonal harsh environments.