Hidden Katydid Diversity in Brazil's Drylands: Taxonomy and Phylogenetic Placement of Two New Phaneropterinae Genera (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae:) From Caatinga

Abstract

Tettigoniidae are the most diverse family of Orthoptera, with over 750 species recorded in Brazil. However, arid and semi‐arid environments of northeastern Brazil, dominated by the Caatinga biome, remain poorly studied, with most previous records restricted to Atlantic Forest areas. Here, we describe two new genera and two new species of Phaneropterinae from these arid regions, representing the first records of short‐winged katydids in the biome. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred from molecular data using maximum likelihood analyses, and morphological characters were employed to support the description of the new taxa. Caatingatettix Fianco, Engelking & Antunes, gen. nov. and Acanthicauda Fianco, gen. nov. form part of a clade of short‐winged katydids, expanding the known distribution and ecological range of such taxa, previously thought to be restricted to humid Atlantic Forest habitats. This discovery highlights the underestimated biodiversity of xeric environments in South America and exposes significant gaps in our knowledge of Orthoptera in Brazilian drylands. Moreover, the presence of localized and potentially endemic lineages in threatened habitats emphasizes the need for intensified surveys and targeted conservation strategies. Citizen science platforms, such as iNaturalist, may play a key role in detecting rare or undescribed taxa and informing future research and conservation efforts.