Multiple cave invasions by species of the planthopper genus Oliarus in Hawaii (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae).

摘要

Although geologically young, the Hawaiian Islands harbour a rich and remarkably diverse fauna of terrestrial troglobites: more than 70 cave species are known from Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, East Maui, and Hawaii Island. Among the more speciose groups that have invaded the subterranean biome are the planthoppers (Homoptera Cixiidae) of the genus Oliarus. Notes on the ecology and distribution of all cavernicolous species are given. Morphological evidence suggests that each of the seven cavernicolous Oliarus species from Hawaii represents a separate, independent adaptive shift to underground environments. Potential relationships to the extant epigean species are discussed.