The present work is the first comprehensive treatment of the cixiid tribe Bennini. An overview on the state of knowledge of cixiid morphology and a first synopsis of the morphological configuration of Bennini is presented. Bennini have been previously postulated to constitute a monophyletic group, based on the presence of a conspicuous morphological structure: paired rod-like appendages which insert laterally from the abdominal base. Here, the structure of the lateral abdominal appendage is studied in detail and a 3D reconstruction based on microcomputertomography is given. Based largely on museum specimens and by applying the phylogenetic species concept, the present study recognizes 125 species (101 are described here as new to science) in 27 genera, 23 of which are established here as new. A key to the genera is provided, as are detailed descriptions and illustrations for all species. For all genera containing three or more species, a key to the species is given, based on characters of external morphology and the male genitalia.
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