Leafhopper Species Research Articles

Phylogenetic evaluation and haplotype mapping of phytoplasma disease in sesame: insights into leafhopper-mediated disease transmission through molecular investigation

The predominance of leafhopper species like Orosius albicinctus, Hishimonus phycitis, and Amrasca biguttula biguttula indeed poses a significant threat to sesame production in India and globally. This disease is a major challenge for sesame farming, as it can lead to yield reductions of up to 95%. The current study examined phytoplasma and leafhoppers in sesame and analyzed the phylogenetic differences in the phyllody phytoplasma. The identification of both 16Sr group I and group II phytoplasma isolates, along with the discovery of the 16SrI-B group reported for the first time in Tamil Nadu, represents a significant advancement in our understanding of phytoplasma diversity in the region. The utilization of virtual RFLP analysis in sequencing the sesame phyllody phytoplasma highlights the importance of molecular techniques in characterizing the phytoplasma. Leafhoppers in sesame were a co-occurring species complex of O. albicinctus, H. phycitis, and A. bigutulla bigutulla. The leafhoppers were identified using species-specific taxonomical traits, and a mtCOI gene-based genetic study confirmed the species. In disease transmission efficiency studies in the greenhouse, O. albicinctus transmitted phyllody at a rate ranging from 7.8% to 84%, while H. phycitis transmitted phyllody at a rate of 5.2% to 74%. Both of these species showed the highest transmission efficiency in the combination of three insects per plant with five days of acquisition feeding and one day of inoculation feeding. A comprehensive understanding of leafhopper-phytoplasma interactions through molecular studies supports effective monitoring, early detection, and the development of integrated pest management strategies.

Review of Chinese species of genus Paramritodus Xue & Zhang (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with description of a new species

The Chinese leafhopper species of the genus Paramritodus Xue & Zhang are reviewed. One new species, Paramritodus concavicaudus Zhang sp. nov., is described and illustrated from southwest China. Additionally, Paramritodus flavocapitatus (Cai & He, 2001) is proposed as a junior synonym of Paramritodus pistacious (Huang & Maldonado Capriles, 1992). A key to the species of the genus is also provided.

Key to species of the leafhopper genus Fistulatus Zhang, Zhang & Chen (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Drabescini) with description of a new species

A new leafhopper species: Fistulatus motuoensis Hassan & Xing sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Xizang Autonomous Region, China. A key based on the aedeagus is given to distinguish all species of the genus. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).

Description of two new species of the leafhopper genus Longicornus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from China

Two new leafhopper species, Longicornus concavus sp. nov. and Longicornus nonprocessus sp. nov., are described and illustrated from Tibet Autonomous Region, China. A key based on the aedeagus is given to distinguish all species of the genus. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).

Potential impact of climate change on Nearctic leafhopper distribution and richness in North America

Climate change significantly contributes to shifts in the geographical range of pests and diseases. Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), known vectors of phytoplasmas pathogens, are linked to the transmission of more than 600 diseases affecting a thousand plant species worldwide. Despite this, the potential effects of climate change on leafhopper vectors of phytoplasmas remain a critical knowledge gap. To address this gap, our study investigated the potential impact of climate change on 14 species of Nearctic leafhoppers previously associated with phytoplasma-related diseases. Using the MaxEnt species distribution algorithm and other ecological niche modeling techniques, we assessed (i) the expected species richness under current climate conditions and four future scenarios and (ii) the environmental niche similarity among these species across these scenarios. Our projections suggest that the eastern region of North America holds the potential for the highest species richness, a trend expected to persist across all future scenarios, gradually expanding eastward. Notably, our findings indicate the increasing suitability of northern Canada for more species. Network analysis further revealed a remarkable similarity in environmental niches among most leafhopper species. Moreover, across the four future scenarios, there is a tendency for an increase in this similarity. Altogether, our study underscores the potential persistent presence of Nearctic leafhoppers in their current habitats while pointing to a shift toward northern North America in future scenarios. These findings have significant implications for sustainable pest management practices, prompting a necessary discussion on strategies to mitigate climate change and pest migration’s impact on agricultural systems.

Phylogeny and taxonomic revision of Metacephalus (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with description of seven new leafhopper species.

Metacephalus Delong and Martinson, 1973 includes leafhopper species from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador (new record), Guyana, French Guiana (new record), Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. In the present revisionary study, we describe seven new species of Metacephalus, propose one species synonymy (M. cinctus as junior synonym of M. facetus), and provide new country records for species, considerably expanding knowledge about species distributions. The study also provides redescriptions and photographs of diagnostic characters for 12 previously described valid species and an identification key to all 21 species of Metacephalus. Molecular phylogenies of Metacephalus species are hypothesized based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses of 1,387 bp of mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S rDNA and nuclear histone H3. Results of the molecular phylogeny generated herein provided a base for understanding character homologies when presenting morphological diagnoses of Metacephalus species and exposed a high level of convergent characters in color pattern and male genitalia morphology usually used in morphological taxonomy of this group of leafhoppers.

Does weed infestation alter the population density of harmful leafhopper species in second crop maize?

Weed-insect interaction has been studied for decades to determine the role of weeds in insect infestation. This study investigated the impact of weed density on the population density of important leafhopper species (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera) and their egg parasitoid Anagrus atomus (L.) (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) in maize (Zea mays L.) planted as second crop in Şanlıurfa province, Türkiye during 2022 and 2023. Population densities of harmful leafhopper species, i.e., Zyginidia sohrab (Zachvatkin), Empoasca decipiens (Paoli), Asymmetrasca decedens (Paoli), Psammotettix striatus (Linnaeus), and their parasitoid, i.e. A. atomus were monitored by yellow sticky traps (RAL-1016) under weedy and weed-free conditions. Three traps were hung in each experimental unit and the densities of target species were recorded weekly. The population densities of leafhopper species feeding on Sorghum halepense (L.) (Johnsongrass) and the effect of A. atomus on their population density were also determined in weedy treatment. A total 15 maize leaves were taken from both weedy and weed-free treatments, and S. halepense leaf tissues containing leafhopper eggs parasitized by A. atomus were counted weekly. Weed density had non-significant effect on the population density of Z. sohrab during both years. Contrastingly, increasing weed density increased the population density of E. decipiens & A. decedens complex in 2022. Nevertheless, weed density had non-significant effect on the population density of E. decipiens & A. decedens complex during 2023. Weedy treatment recorded higher population density of P. striatus (140 and 100 adults, respectively); however, both weedy and weed-free treatments recorded similar density (125 and 97 adults) during 2023. Weed density proved a significant factor in increasing A. atomus density. A total of 2935 parasitized eggs were recorded from the weedy treatment, whereas 1609 parasitized eggs were recorded from weed-free treatment. Although direct relationship between leafhoppers and weed density remains uncertain, integrated pest management strategies must consider phytophagous insects feeding on weeds at field edges and within fields and the natural enemy complex.

Four new erythroneurine leafhopper species from karst areas in Southwestern China (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae, Erythroneurini).

Four new erythroneurine leafhopper species, Empoascanaraaparaoides Wang & Song, sp. nov., Motagamengyangensis Wang & Song, sp. nov., Motagaacicularis Wang & Song, sp. nov., and Tautoneuraqingxiuensis Wang & Song, sp. nov. from karst areas in Southwestern China, are described and illustrated.

Determination of Population Dynamics of Cicadellidae (Hemiptera) Species and Their Relationship with Climatic Parameters in Organic Cotton Fields in Hatay Province, Türkiye

In this study, population dynamics of leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) species in organic cotton-growing areas of Hatay province were investigated along with their associations with climatic parameters. Weekly sampling using a sweep net (100 sweep net/parcel) identified nine species within the Cicadellidae family. Among these, Asymmetrasca decedens (Paoli) and Empoasca decipiens (Paoli) displayed high population densities throughout the entire vegetation period of cotton, while Zyginidia sohrab (Zatchvakin), Psammotettix striatus (Linnaeus), Orosius orientalis (Matsumura), Anaceratagallia laevis (Ribaut), and Anaceratagallia sinuata (Mulsant & Rey) were present in both vegetative and reproductive phases of cotton, with Z. sohrab reaching significant population levels. Cicadulina bipunctella (Matsumura) and Balclutha hebe (Kirkaldy) were found only during the reproductive phase, yet they achieved considerably high populations. Correlation and regression analyses have shown a moderate to high level of positive correlation between the population development of five leafhopper species and various temperature (°C) parameters (r=0.578-0.790, p

Vector transmission of parsley yellow leaf curl virus by the leafhopper Austroagallia sinuata.

Parsley yellow leaf curl virus (PYLCV) is a new member of the family Geminiviridae that has not yet been assigned to an established genus due to limited information about its biological properties. In this study, the ability of Austroagallia leafhoppers, which are commonly found on vegetable farms in Kerman province (Iran), to transmit this virus was studied. After a two-day acquisition access period, Austroagallia sp. successfully transmitted the virus from PYLCV-infected parsley to healthy seedlings. On the basis of male genitalia morphology, the species of leafhopper was identified as A. sinuata. This is the first report of a transmission of plant virus by a member of the genus Austroagallia.

Affected, Dispersal, Impacts and Evaluation of Resistance Reaction of maize streak virus. A Mini Review

Maize streak virus (MSV) has deleterious effects on maize production in tropical and sub-tropical Africa. The disease is transmitted persistently by several species of leafhoppers, Cicadulin spp. (Homoptera: Cicadellidae). Therefore, it is prudent to mitigate the control of MSV is most effective when cultural and chemical methods are integrated with plant breeding for resistance. While host plant resistance is the best method of MSV management, it is not usually easy to conventionally produce resistant cultivars. This paper reviews the distribution, host/species affected, dispersal, impact and information evaluation of improved maize varieties. This review aims to address successful breeding strategies regarding maize streak virus resistance. Resistant cultivars are important to control maize streak virus since they do not present additional costs for the farmer, do not harm the environment and reduce costs of seed production.

Taxonomic notes on the leafhopper genus Phlogothamnus Ishihara (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae), with description of a new species from China

A new leafhopper species Phlogothamnus renhuaiensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, China. An updated identification key for the adult male Phlogothamnus species is provided, and a global distribution map showing the geographic distribution of all species is also provided. A cumulative checklist of 10 Phlogothamnus species including the basionym, localities of type materials, type depositories, and updated distribution data is also presented. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).

Morphological and molecular characterisations of Orosius albicinctus (Distant, 1918)

ABSTRACT Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are important agricultural pests and potential vectors of several viruses and phytoplasma diseases. The Chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV) is reported in Tunisia and is transmitted by leafhoppers. In order to identify potential insect species transmitting the virus in Tunisia, a survey was carried out during 3 years (2019–2021) in fields of tomatoes, pepper, melon, watermelon, and chickpea in six governorates (Tunis, Nabeul, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, and Kairouan). Morphological and molecular barcoding studies allowed identifying the leafhopper Orosius albicinctus (Distant, 1918) (Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Opsiini) on chickpeas, melon, a co-culture of watermelon and pepper, and on associated weeds (Solanum elaeagnifolium and Cynodon dactylon) in Kairouan and Mahdia. This is first record of this leafhopper species in Tunisia.

Geometric design of antireflective leafhopper brochosomes

In nature, leafhoppers cover their body surfaces with brochosomes as a protective coating. These leafhopper-produced brochosomes are hollow, buckyball-shaped, nanoscopic spheroids with through-holes distributed across their surfaces, representing a class of deployable optical materials that are rare in nature. Despite their discovery in the 1950s, it remains unknown why the sizes of brochosomes and their through-holes consistently fall within the range of hundreds of nanometers across different leafhopper species. Here, we demonstrate that the hierarchical geometries of brochosomes are engineered within a narrow size range with through-hole architecture to significantly reduce light reflection. By utilizing two-photon polymerization three-dimensional printing to fabricate high-fidelity synthetic brochosomes, we investigated the optical form-to-function relationship of brochosomes. Our results show that the diameters of brochosomes are engineered within a specific size range to maximize broadband light scattering, while the secondary through-holes are designed to function as short-wavelength, low-pass filters, further reducing light reflection. These synergistic effects enable brochosomes to achieve a substantial reduction in specular reflection, by up to approximately 80 to 94%, across a broadband wavelength range. Importantly, brochosomes represent a biological example demonstrating short-wavelength, low-pass filter functionality. Furthermore, our results indicate that the geometries of natural brochosomes may have evolved to effectively reduce reflection from ultraviolet to visible light, thereby enabling leafhoppers to evade predators whose vision spectrum encompasses both ultraviolet and visible light. Our findings offer key design insights into a class of deployable bioinspired optical materials with potential applications in omnidirectional antireflection coatings, optical encryption, and multispectral camouflage.

Two new species of the macropsine leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Eurymelinae) from Japan, with description of a new subgenus.

Two new macropsine species, Celopsis yaeyamana sp. nov. and Pediopsoides (Glaphyropsis) aurantescens subgen. & sp. nov. are described and illustrated from the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Four Celopsis species, C. membrana (Zhang), C. montaninversa (Yang & Zhang), C. trifurcata (Li, Dai & Li) and C. rhombica (Li, Dai & Li) are transferred to the new subgenus Glaphyropsis.

Description of a new leafhopper species of the genus Sophonia Walker (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) from China.

A new leafhopper species Sophonia furcata sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Sichuan Province, China. A key is given to distinguish all Chinese species of the genus. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).

Key to species of the genus Riseveinus Li & Wang, 1995 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) with description of a new species.

A new evacanthine leafhopper species Riseveinus elongatus sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Yunnan Province, China. A key is given to distinguish all species of the genus. The type specimen of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).

Brochosome size variation and its influence on leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) wing wettability.

Insect wing surfaces have nano- and microscale features that enable multi-functionality. Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are unique in that they produce and excrete nanoscale particles, called brochocosomes, that are spread onto the integument by the insect. Brochosomes are extra-cuticular, removable, and make the integument both superhydrophobic and anti-reflective, 2 greatly desired properties in engineering and material science fields. Adaptations like this have captured the interest of researchers looking to draw inspiration from the natural world to create novel solutions and optimize current technologies. Here, we compare brochosome size and wettability across 8 species of leafhoppers using scanning electron microscopy and microgoniometry. We demonstrate that brochosome size is variable within species and that size and wettability are both significantly impacted by species. We report the extent of variability in each case and examine the relationship between brochosome size, body length, and hydrophobicity. In discussing potential applications for brochosomes, we comment on an emerging and rapid analysis technique for evaluating small biological particles. Additionally, we discuss a few recent brochosome-inspired designs and comment on important considerations. Our work provides valuable insight on a unique system that can guide the design of functionalized materials with enhanced hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties.

Colladonus spp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) vectors of X-disease: biology and management in Western United States

Abstract The US cherry and stone fruit industries have periodically experienced devastating outbreaks of X-disease phytoplasma (XDP) since the 1930s, with an ongoing epidemic occurring since 2010. This disease is critically impacting Prunus spp. and the stone fruit industry, causing underdeveloped, bitter, and misshapen fruit on economically important crops, primarily cherries, peaches, and nectarines, making the fruit unmarketable. Trees cannot recover from this disease and eventually die if they are not removed. It takes at least 1 yr for symptoms to appear, postinfection, which hinders disease management efforts. The phytoplasma, Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni, is a phloem-limited intracellular bacterium that is spread by grafting and leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) feeding. Several leafhopper species are known to transmit XDP, of which Colladonus spp. are considered the most important vectors in the Western United States and are native to this region. Colladonus spp. feed and oviposit on a wide variety of broadleaf perennial plants, including mallow, alfalfa, and clover. These plants are also hosts of the phytoplasma. In Western United States, these leafhoppers have 3 periods of adult activity: May–June, late July–August, and October. The highest rates of pathogen transmission likely occur during the last 2 activity periods due to the high abundance of leafhoppers and a postharvest increase of XDP titers in trees. Using known activity periods and host plants of the leafhoppers, growers can monitor and strategically manage the vectors, which, when combined with the removal of infected trees and ground-cover hosts, should help limit the spread of X-disease.

Worldwide potential insect vectors of Xylella fastidiosa and assessment of their importance with a focus on Morocco

Abstract In Morocco, the climate conditions are favorable for the establishment and the spread of Xylella fastidiosa (X.f). However, the successful establishment of the bacterium depends on many factors; mainly: bacterial subspecies and sequence type, host plants susceptibility, feeding behavior and transmission efficiency of the insect vectors. Knowledge of the relationship between the bacterium–affected crop agro-ecosystem and potential insect vectors is of crucial importance. In this work, we list the tritrophic interaction X.f-host plants-insect vectors that occur worldwide in order to apply it to the current situation in Morocco and for risk analysis on the bacterium in the country. Two most relevant X.f subspecies of the bacterium (in terms of impact on crops) were considered, namely, subsp. fastidiosa and subsp. pauca. Based on the international literature and public databases, the majority of the X.f-insect vectors are comprised in two families: Cicadellidae and Aphrophoridae. Among all cicadellid species recorded, a high number had the capacity to transmit X.f to hosts in America while this ability is null for other regions (except Graphocephala versuta Say (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) recorded in Algeria). In Morocco, none of the cicadellid genera reported worldwide as vectors of X.f, have been so far reported, whereas many species of spittlebugs and leafhoppers are present. Philaenus tesselatus Melichar (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) is highly abundant in Morocco and could play a role as potential vector in case the bacterium is introduced in the country. With regard to the X.f hosts, citrus, olive, almond and grapevine, forest agroecosystems and oleander are considered the main susceptible species present in Morocco.