Jumping plant lice of the genus Aphalara (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Aphalaridae) in the Neotropics

The Neotropical species of the predominantly north temperate genus Aphalara are reviewed. Four species are recorded here from this region, two of which are described as new. Aphalara ritterisp. nov. occurs in southern Brazil (Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina) and represents the first and only species reported from South America. A second new species, Aphalara ortegaesp. nov., is described from Mexico and Puerto Rico. Another two species, Aphalara persicaria Caldwell, 1937 and A. similaCaldwell, 1937, have been previously reported from Mexico and the USA, and one of them also from Cuba. The two new species are both associated with Persicaria hydropiperoides and P. punctata (Polygonaceae) on which the immatures induce leaf roll galls. The two new species are morphologically similar to A. persicaria, to which they are probably closely related. A key is provided for the adults and immatures of the Neotropical species of Aphalara.