Tingidae Research Articles

Effects of light intensity on Solanum mauritianum (Solanaceae) morphological and chemical traits and the performance of its biological control agent Gargaphia decoris (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

The lace bug Gargaphia decoris Drake (Hemiptera: Tingidae) has been released in New Zealand for the biological control of woolly nightshade Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (Solanaceae). It has been observed that at release sites, G. decoris more commonly infests plants growing in shaded locations, compared to plants growing under full sunlight conditions. To explore the mechanisms for this preferential selection, we tested the effects of low shade (LS) and high shade (HS) on the physical and chemical traits of S. mauritianum and the performance of G. decoris under glasshouse conditions. New leaves of older plants under LS conditions were smaller, thicker, had longer trichomes, lower water content and lower specific leaf area compared to HS leaves. Leaves of LS plants increased their C:N ratio but total glycoalkaloid concentration decreased as the plants grew older. High shade plants were taller, with higher shoot-to-root ratios, and new leaves of older plants had higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to LS plants. Gargaphia decoris showed no discrimination between HS and LS leaves for oviposition or feeding. We observed no differences on first- and second-generation G. decoris performance traits, such as fecundity (e.g., eggs/female), fertility (% egg hatch) and adult survival. However, as the plants grew older, second generation G. decoris females failed to oviposit on LS plants and displayed smaller bodies compared to the females that developed feeding on HS plants. We concluded that light intensity did affect physical and chemical traits of S. mauritianum plants and these effects influenced G. decoris performance. Although, the key factor behind the differential performance of G. decoris under contrasting light conditions remains unclear, we believe that plant glycoalkaloid concentrations contribute to G. decoris host plant selection.

The first fossil lace bug (Heteroptera: Tingidae) from New Zealand

The first fossil lace bug (Tingidae) from New Zealand is described from the earliest Miocene Foulden Maar Fossil-Lagerstätte in Otago. The single specimen, observable in ventral position in finely laminated lacustrine diatomite, belongs to Tingidae based on the areolate (lace-like) paranotum and hemelytra and the presence of sternal laminae. The incomplete preservation does not allow for a definite identification of the genus, and the fossil is provisionally identified as Tingidae gen. et sp. indet. This new record adds the family Tingidae to the Miocene Heteroptera fauna of New Zealand and the Australasian region. Uwe Kaulfuss [uwe.kaulfuss@uni-goettingen.de], Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Göttingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany Ernst Heiss [aradus@aon.at], Tiroler Landesmuseum, Josef-Schraffl-Strasse 2a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.

Mrežaste stenice platana i hrasta

Provides an overview of Sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata Say) and Oak lace bug (C. arcuata Say) based on literature data and monitoring during the period 2018-2022. The species have been present in insect fauna of Serbia over the past fifty years and ten years, respectively. Lace bugs are significant pests of sycamore and oak trees. Their damage manifests itself as premature desiccation and drop of leaf mass (premature defoliation), reducing air quality benefits of trees in urban areas and diminishing aesthetic function. Additionally, tissue injury and loss of nutrients can affect longevity of mature trees and reduce woody mass yield. Presents information on origin and geographic range, biology, damage and control of lace bugs.

Presence of Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) and it relate predatory mirid Stethoconus praefectus on Persea americana at Franceville, Gabon

A local pest survey was carried out at Franceville town on september 2022, within Avocado trees. The study aimed to record the avocado lace bug Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) and it impact on the host plant Persea americana L. (Lauraceae), based on recognizing and characterizing the insect pest symptoms, detecting it presence and local potential enemies. Results revalead that symptoms were observed in all parts (100%) of Franceville, with attacked trees ranging from 3.33 to 90%. The pest injury ranges from little foliage brown spots to complete tree defoliation. A predatory mirid diagnosed as Stethoconus praefectus (Distant) (Hemiptera: Miridae) was recorded feeding on the avocado lace bug P. perseae. Typical symptoms and both insect pictures were provided. Further studies are needed to highlight the pest distribution in the country and the predatory effectiveness.

The Oleaceae-feeding lace bugs of the genus Perissonemia from Japan (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae)

The present study revises the taxonomy of the lace bug genus Perissonemia Drake & Poor, 1937 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae: Tinginae) from Japan. Three species are recognized and (re)described: P. occasa Drake, 1942 from Honshu, P. okinawensis sp. nov. from the central part of the Ryukyu Islands, and P. yaeyamensis sp. nov. from the southern part of the Ryukyu Islands. Previous records of P. occasa from the central and southern parts of the Ryukyu Islands are confirmed as misidentifications of P. okinawensis sp. nov. and P. yaeyamensis sp. nov., respectively. The host plant relationships are discussed for P. occasa and P. yaeyamensis sp. nov. Photographs of living individuals of P. occasa and P. yaeyamensis sp. nov. are presented. A key is provided to facilitate the identification of the three species of Perissonemia distributed in Japan.

New Distributional Record of Urentius hystricellus (Richter, 1870) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) from Southernmost Region of Punjab, Pakistan

Urentius hystricellus is well known phytophagous and invasive true bug of family Tingidae. From Pakistan, this family is poorly studied despite having significant economic importance. Present species was identified with the help of most relevant and published literature. Specimens were mounted on triangular cards for morphological studies. New distributional data of U. hystricellus is included. Brief diagnosis, host plant and remarks on biology and current distribution in Pakistan are added. Line drawing of adult and fore wing along with digital photographs are also given.

Insecticidal Activity of Jatropha Extracts Against the Azalea Lace Bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Hemiptera: Tingidae).

We assessed bioactivity of ethanolic extracts from 35 species of Jatropha L. against an ornamental plant pest, the azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott). Jatropha extracts were prepared by air-drying stem, root, or whole plant material, grinding the tissue into a fine powder, adding 70% ethanol, and then vacuum filtering the contents. Emulsions included the extract diluted to the desired concentration in de-ionized water and 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Treatments involved pipetting 20 µl of emulsion onto three adult lace bugs in each well of a 96-well microtiter plate. Treated wells served as replicates for each of six extract concentrations and were arranged according to a RCBD. Extracts of Jatropha clavuligera Müll. Arg. and J. ribifolia (Pohl) Ballion from 0.06 to 0.50% were the most acutely bioactive with bug mortality exceeding that of the positive control - azadirachtin, a terpenoid and chief active ingredient in neem oil. At 1.00%, extracts of J. clavuligera, J. ribifolia and azadirachtin killed 100% of bugs within 3 hr. Jatropha clavuligera induced the lowest LC50 and ranked first in insecticidal potency based on ≥98% of bugs dying within 3 hr. Extracts of J. curcas L., J. gossypiifolia L., J. excisa Griseb, and azadirachtin were equally bioactive; although after 3 hr, the three Jatropha species killed bugs faster. When compared with DMSO, all extract emulsions were bioactive against adult bugs. Thus, active ingredients in a new biopesticide could be sourced from the stem, root, or whole plant extracts of at least five Jatropha species.

Integrative taxonomy of the Lauraceae-feeding species of the genus Stephanitis (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from Japan

Stephanitis Stål, 1873 (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae, Tinginae, Tingini) is one of the most diverse lace bug genera in East Asia with over 50 species, many of them feeding on Ericaceae and Lauraceae. The Japanese species feeding on Lauraceae have high intraspecific and poor interspecific variation, so identification of some previous distribution records (mainly S. (Norba) aperta Horváth, 1912 and closely related taxa) is doubtful. In the present study, 5,080 specimens of Lauraceae-feeding species of Stephanitis from Japan were identified to species based on morphology, and DNA barcodes of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit (COI) region for 53 of those individuals were also obtained. The combined morphological and molecular evidence dataset showed that 10 species of Stephanitis feed on lauraceous trees in Japan: S. (Stephanitis) ambigua Horváth, 1912, S. (Norba) aperta, S. (N.) exigua Horváth, 1912, S. (N.) hayashiisp. nov., S. (N.) hiurai Takeya, 1963, S. (N.) ishikawaisp. nov., S. (N.) mendica Horváth, 1912, S. (S.) tabidula Horváth, 1912, S. (S.) takeyai Drake & Maa, 1955 and S. (S.) tomokuniisp. nov. Additionally, a new synonymy, S. (S.) fasciicarina Takeya, 1931, syn. nov. with S. (S.) tabidula, is proposed, a key for identifying the 10 species is provided and their distribution ranges and host plant relationships are presented.

Different egg size in the chrysanthemum lace bug Corythucha marmorata (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in response to novel host plant cultivars

Different egg size in the chrysanthemum lace bug Corythucha marmorata (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in response to novel host plant cultivars

First record of phytophagous insects in Arundo pugnax (L.). 1753 (Poaceae) in Irapuato, Guanajuato. Mexico

Arundo pugnax is a very aggressive grass due to its ability to cover humid areas and its difficult eradication, it invades irrigation canals and stops the flow of water. In order to contribute to the knowledge of insects associated with this Poaceae, leaves of A. pugnax were collected in the municipality of Irapuato, Gto. Mexico. The plum aphid Hyalopterus pruni, the sugarcane lace bug Leptodictya tabida and the hesperid Euphyes vestris are reported for the first time from Mexico.

Significance to the Horticulture Industry

Significance to the Horticulture Industry

Susceptibility of Rhododendron to Azalea Lace Bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott)

Abstract The invasive azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott), is one of the most damaging insect pests of the genus Rhododendron, especially azaleas. Feeding by nymphs and adults reduces the aesthetic value of infested plants. Rhododendron spp. (L.) and cultivars are a major component of public and private landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, as well as other parts of the U.S.. Variability in the susceptibility of Rhododendron to S. pyrioides has been previously examined but generally on a limited number of Rhododendron species and cultivars. We measured the susceptibility of 71 Rhododendron species, varieties, and cultivars over two years, selecting plants across the phylogenetic tree of Rhododendron, and quantified the proportion of leaf damage caused by S. pyrioides. We observed that trichome presence did not predict S. pyrioides damage. Plants from the subgenus Azaleastrum were the significantly most susceptible subgenus, and all sampled plants from this subgenus had measurable damage. In contrast, plants from the subgenus Hymenanthes were the significantly least susceptible, and most Hymenanthes plants had no measurable damage. This study provides a guideline for using host plant resistance to S. pyrioides in plant selection, and emphasizes the potential for S. pyrioides management if susceptible azaleas are to be used in the landscape. Species used in this study: Azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides, Rhododendron spp.

Integrated approach for health status assessment of urban forests in the municipalities of Etropole  and Pravets, Bulgaria

In 2020, the health status of urban forests in Etropole and Pravets municipalities was monitored based on remote sensing data and field assessment. The study provides information for early detection and identification of pests and pathogens causing damage in different forest types. Three forest stands were assessed: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) plantation near the town of Etropole, European beech (Fagus sylvatica) natural stand near Etropole Monastery, and Quercus spp. coppice stands in ‘Nebesnite Pasbishta’ forest park near Osikovitsa village. In two sample plots (town of Etropole and Osikovitsa village), remote sensing data were obtained by a ‘Parrot Sequoia’ multispectral camera integrated with a specialized professional system eBee ‘Flying Wing’. Normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) was assessed by digital mixing of imagery, captured in the red and near-infrared range. It was established that the Scots pine plantations were weakened, with NDVI values between 0.66 and 0.75. The oak stands in the area of Osikovitsa village were in better health condition (NDVI mainly 0.79-0.98). Symptoms of diseases and pest damage were found during the field verifications. Severe deterioration caused by the invasive fungal pathogen Dothistroma septosporum had destroyed the pine plantation near Etropole. The pathogen caused premature needle defoliation, resulting in loss of timber yield and, in severe cases, tree death. In oak stands, damage was caused mainly by the invasive insect pest – oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata). In Fagus sylvatica forests damage was caused mainly by abiotic factors (snow and wind), and wood destroying fungus Fomes fomentarius.

First records of the lace bug genus Lasiacantha Stål, 1873 (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from Japan

The lace bug genus Lasiacantha Stål, 1873 (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae, Tinginae, Tingini) is widely distributed in the Old World; however, no species has been recorded in Japan. To date, L. altimitrata (Takeya, 1933) has been reported in China and Taiwan. Here, I report Lasiacantha and L. altimitrata from Japan for the first time, based on materials collected from Ishigaki and Miyako islands in the Ryukyu Islands. In Japan, this lace bug is found in grasslands near beaches. Miyako Island is the easternmost locality for L. altimitrata.

Where to search: the use of opportunistic data for the detection of an invasive forest pest

Early detection is important for the management of invasive alien species. In the last decade citizen science has become an important source of such data. Here, we used opportunistic records from the “LIFE ARTEMIS” citizen science project, in which people submitted records from places where they observed tree pests, to understand the distribution of a rapidly-spreading forest pest: the oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) in Slovenia. These citizen science records were not distributed randomly. We constructed a species distribution model for C. arcuata that accounted for the biased distribution of citizen science by using the records of other tree pests and diseases from the same project as pseudo-absences (so-called constrained pseudo-absences), and compared this to a model with pseudo-absences selected randomly from across Slovenia. We found that the constrained pseudo-absence model showed that C. arcuata was more likely to be found in east, in places with more oak trees and at lower elevations, and also closer to highways and railways, indicating introduction and dispersal by accidental human transport. The outputs from the model with random pseudo-absences were broadly similar, although estimates from this model tended to be higher and less precise, and some factors that were significant (proximity to minor roads and human settlements) were artefacts of recorder bias, showing the importance of taking the distribution of recording into account wherever possible. The finding that C. arcuata is more likely to be found near highways allows us to design advice for where future citizen science should be directed for efficient early detection.

Comparative Cytogenetics of Lace Bugs (Tingidae, Heteroptera): New Data and a Brief Overview.

Simple SummaryTingidae, or lace bugs, is a family of herbivorous true bugs, with approximately 2600 identified species in 318 genera classified in two or sometimes three subfamilies, among which the largest subfamily Tinginae comprises about 2500 species. Here, an account is given of the karyotypes of 16 lace bug species studied using conventional chromosomal techniques and FISH with two repetitive DNA probes, 18S rDNA and (TTAGG)n. We also summarize and analyze all information accumulated to date on karyotypes of lace bugs. In general, such information is available for 60 species and 22 genera of Tinginae. We show that lace bugs are characterized by: (1) very conservative karyotypes, with six pairs of autosomes in a haploid set; (2) either an XY or X(0) sex chromosome system; (3) a conventional sequence of sex chromosome divisions in male meiosis; (4) absence of the (TTAGG)n mechanism for maintaining telomere integrity; (5) four discrete patterns of 18S rDNA chromosomal localization. We conclude that the search for chromosomal landmarks is of paramount importance for the characterization of the lace bug cytogenetics in more detail.The lace bug family Tingidae comprises more than 2600 described species in 318 genera that are classified into the subfamilies Tinginae (about 2500 species and 300 genera), Cantacaderinae, and Vianadinae. We provide data on karyotypes of 16 species belonging to 10 genera of the tribes Tingini and Acalyptaini (Tinginae) studied using conventional chromosome staining and FISH. The species of Tingini possess 2n = 12A + XY, whereas those of Acalyptaini have 2n = 12A + X(0). FISH for 18S rDNA revealed hybridization signals on one of the medium-sized bivalents in species of both tribes. FISH with a telomeric probe TTAGG produced no signals in any species. In addition, we provide a list of all data obtained to date on Tingidae karyotypes, which includes 60 species from 22 genera of Tinginae. The subfamily is highly conservative in relation to the number and size of autosomes, whereas it shows diversity in the number and chromosomal distribution of the rDNA arrays, which may be located either on a pair of autosomes (the predominant and supposedly ancestral pattern), on one or both sex chromosomes, or on an autosome pair and the X. The absence of the “insect” telomeric sequence TTAGG in all species implies that Tinginae have some other, yet unknown, telomere organization.

Two new species of the genus Omoplax (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) from Mukojima Island, with new records of lace bugs endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan

This study describes two new species of the lace bug genus Omoplax Horváth, 1912 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) from Mukojima Island, the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, under the names O. karubei sp. nov. and O. mukojimensis sp. nov. These new species differ from the other species of Omoplax mainly in the shape of the pronotum and hemelytron. In all, five species belonging to two endemic genera are recognized from the Ogasawara Islands: Acanthomoplax tomokunii Souma & Kamitani, 2021, Omoplax desecta (Horváth, 1912), O. karubei sp. nov., O. majorcarinae Guilbert, 2001, and O. mukojimensis sp. nov. Additionally, several new records of tingid taxa endemic to these islands are provided: Acanthomoplax tomokunii Souma & Kamitani, 2021 from Ototojima Island, and Omoplax desecta (Horváth, 1912) from the Mukojima Group, and Meijima, Mukohjima and Nakoudojima islands. An updated key to the species is presented to facilitate the identification of Ogasawaran lace bugs.

The King's Lace Bug Recaredus rex Distant, 1909 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae): Systematic Position, First Palaearctic and Afrotropical Records, and Ecological Niche Modelling.

Simple SummaryLace bugs (Tingidae) are known for their spectacular bodily appearance; the pronotum and hemelytra of the adult specimens are lacelike, with a delicate network of areolae that resemble lace. The species are phytophagous and always feed on a specific plant or groups of closely related plants. Therefore, they are recognised as mono- or oligophagous bugs, whose feeding activities may cause significant injury to plant pods and leaves. Lace bugs are distributed worldwide and reported in all continents except Antarctica. Although most of the lace bug species are distributed in a particular zoogeographical region, some genera are widely known from the Holarctic region. However, species with a Palaeotropical distribution are scarce. In this study, based on new records and ecological niche modelling, we indicate that Recaredus rex, one of the most enigmatic lace bugs, has a possible Palaeotropical distribution. Moreover, we hypothesise that R. rex is an oligo- or polyphagous species. In addition, the systematic position of the genus Recaredus is discussed.The systematic position and actual distribution of Recaredus rex, for a long time one of the most enigmatic lace bug genus and species, is very obscure because only the type specimen and three other individuals from India are known to date. In the present paper, we report the first records of R. rex from the Palaearctic region (Iran) and tropical Africa (Ghana). Based on the occurrence localities and climatic variables, we predict potentially useful ecological niches for this species using Maxent software. The areas with the best environmental conditions for R. rex indicated in our studies suggest its possible Palaeotropical distribution. Moreover, we regard these results as a good starting point for further searches for specimens of this species. This might help verify the hypothesis of the broad Palaeotropical distribution of R. rex and its oligo- or polyphagy. In addition, the lace bug genus Recaredus, based on the diagnostic characteristics provided for the tribe Acalyptaini, and the structure of aedeagus, is transferred from the tribe Ypsotingini to the Acalyptaini. A key to all genera currently included in the latter tribe is also provided.

FOCUS OF THE MASS ACCUMULATION OF THE INVASIVE OAK LACE BUG, <i>CORYTHUCHA ARCUATA</i> (SAY, 1832) (HEMIPTERA: HETEROPTERA: TINGIDAE), ON THE AI-PETRI PLATEAU (CRIMEA)

The results of observations of the mass accumulation of adults of the harmful invasive oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) in 2018 and 2021 at the highest point of the Ai-Petri plateau (Crimea; 1234 m a.s.l.) are presented. The approximate number of aggregations of this species reached several thousand specimens, the density of groups reached 50 specimens/dm of ropeway structures. There are no food plants of this invader on the plateau. It is most likely that adults of C. arcuata are brought to the plateau by vertical air currents from the areas located below, where the pest successfully reproduces and develops. The Ai-Petri Plateau is a reserve of the adult pest, which provides its expansion to other territories of the southern Crimea by air currents. Chemical control of the C. arcuata population at the apex of Mount Ai-Petri is recommended.

Taxonomic review of the tingine genera Cysteochila, Hurdchila, Physatocheila, and Xynotingis from Japan, with description of a new genus (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae).

Species of four lace bug genera of the subfamily Tinginae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae), namely Cysteochila Stl, 1873, Hurdchila Drake, 1953, Physatocheila Fieber, 1844, and Xynotingis Drake, 1948, occurring in Japan, are revised. A total of 13 species are identified and diagnosed. Previous records of Cysteochila consueta Drake, 1948 from Japan are considered to be the misidentification of C. chiniana Drake, 1942. Limnostatua gen. nov. is described to accommodate Leptodictya (currently Hurdchila) lewisi Scott, 1880 (type species of the new genus). A new synonymy is proposed: Limnostatua lewisi (Scott, 1880), comb. nov. = Cysteochila vota Drake, 1948 syn. nov. Three new combinations, namely Physatocheila chiniana (Drake, 1942) comb. nov., P. consueta (Drake, 1948) comb. nov., and P. euthenia (Drake Ruhoff, 1965) comb. nov., all of which were transferred from Cysteochila, are proposed. Three species, namely C. abundantis Drake Poor, 1937, P. consueta comb. nov. (previous records all pertaining to misidentifications) and P. euthenia comb. nov., are newly recorded from Japan. Finally, identification keys for Japanese tingid genera and subgenera as well as for species of Cysteochila and Physatocheila are provided.