A NEW GENUS OF IASSINAE FROM SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL (HOMOPTERA, CICADELLIDAE)

The Neotropical leafhopper Hoplojassus brasiliensis Dietrich, new genu s, new species, is described, illustrated, and placed in the nominate tribe of the cicadellid subfamily Iassinae. Hoplojassus resembles othe r Iassini in overall shape and genital morphology, but certain feature s of the head, forewing, and leg are similar to those found in other c icadellid subfamilies. The unique combination of ancestral and derived features found in the new genus suggests that it represents a plesiom orphic lineage distinct from other Iassinae. The difficulties encounte red in placing this genus accentuate the need for a revised higher cla ssification of the Cicadellidae.