Planthopper Species Research Articles

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of the Wnt Gene Family in Three Rice Planthoppers: Sogatella furcifera, Laodelphax striatellus, and Nilaparvata lugens.

The Wnt gene family plays essential roles in regulating many developmental processes, including the maintenance of stem cells, cell division, and cell migration. The number of Wnt genes varies among species. Due to the diversity and importance of their functions, the Wnt gene family has gained extensive research interest in various animal species from invertebrates to vertebrates. However, knowledge of the Wnt gene family is limited in rice planthoppers. Three planthopper species, the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera Horvath), the small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus Fallén) and the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), are devastating specialist pests of rice and cause serious damage to rice plants. To better study the evolution and function of the Wnt gene family in rice planthoppers, we identified 8 Wnt family genes in three rice planthoppers with both genomic and extensive transcriptomic resources available. We conducted a systematic analysis of the three kinds of rice planthoppers and analyzed the dynamic patterns of gene conservation, as well as Wnt gene loss and duplication. The expression profiles in different developmental stages of S. furcifera and different adult organs and tissues of L. striatellus provide preliminary functional implications for the Wnt genes in rice planthopper. This study presents the first genome-wide study of the Wnt gene family in rice planthoppers, and our findings provide insights into Wnt function and evolution in rice planthoppers.

Postembryonic development of the troglobitic planthopper species Valenciolenda fadaforesta Hoch & Sendra, 2021 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Kinnaridae), with a key to nymphal instars

All nymphal instars of the recently discovered troglobitic planthopper species Valenciolenda fadaforesta Hoch & Sendra, 2021 are described. This represents the first documentation of the complete postembryonic development of any species in the family Kinnaridae. Characters of the external morphology are described and illustrated, and a key to the instars are provided to facilitate discrimination among the different nymphal stages. While V. fadaforesta nymphs share certain synapomorphies with other Fulgoromorpha (except the Tettigometridae), e.g., the cog-wheel structures of the metatrochanters, other characters may be correlated with the subterranean way of life of the species, and thus be autapomorphic, such as the absence of compound eyes in all instars.

Diversity of leaf hoppers on fruit crops and weeds in North Kashmir

This study analyses the diversity of leafhopper fauna at six locations (Wadura, Arampora, Dangiwacha, Imberzalwari from District Baramulla and Chogul and Chetkak from District Kupwara) occurring on various fruit crops and weeds. Diversity indices such as species diversity index, evenness index, richness index and abundance were computed. These reveal that six species infest these, of which those infesting fruit trees include Empoasca decipiens, Empoasca fabae, Agallia spp., Aconeurella erebrus and Exitianus indicus; and Stirellus spp., Maiestas dorsalis, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Exitianus indicus and one plant hopper species viz., Laodelphax striatellus infest weeds. Maximum abundance was observed to be of A. decedens on fruit trees and Stirellus spp. on the weed flora.

Threonyl-tRNA synthetase gene, a potential target for RNAi-based control of three rice planthoppers.

RNA interference (RNAi) has potential as a new strategy for pest control. However, the current overemphasis on the control of a single pest increased control costs. The aim of this study was to find a green method of controlling several pests without affecting the natural enemies with a single target gene. One possible RNAi target is the threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS), which is conserved and plays a significant role in protein biosynthesis. In this study, one threonyl-tRNA synthetase gene (NlthrS) was identified from the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens). Spatio-temporal expression pattern analysis showed that NlthrS was highly expressed in the ovary, late embryogenesis, nymphs and female adults. In addition, RNAi-mediated knockdown of NlthrS caused 85.6% nymph mortality, 100% female infertility, molting disorder, extended nymph duration and shortened adult longevity. Target-specific results were obtained when dsNlthrS was used to interfere with the whiteback planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus), zig-zag winged leafhopper (Inazuma dorsalis) and their natural enemy (green mirid bug, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis). In addition, dsNlthrS could cause high mortalities of three species of planthoppers (85.6-100%), while only dsNlthrS-1 led to the death (97.3%) of I. dorsalis that was not affected by dsNlthrS-2. Furthermore, neither dsNlthrS-1 nor dsNlthrS-2 could influence the survival of C. lividipennis. The results reveal the biological functions of ThrRS in N. lugens in addtion toits protein synthesis, deepening our understanding of tRNA synthase in insects and providing a new method for the control of several rice pests via one dsRNA design. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

New records of fifteen species of Fulgoromorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera) in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian planthopper fauna (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) are relatively well studied, with 164 known species from 77 genera and 11 families. Data for some species from previous studies were reported without any localities or were incomplete and need to be updated. In the present study, 13 species of planthoppers are recorded for the first time in Bulgaria - Hyalesthesmlokosiewiczi Signoret, 1879 (Cixiidae), Delphaxarmeniacus Anufriev, 1970, Euidesspeciosa (Boheman, 1845), Eurysulalurida (Fieber, 1866), Florodelphaxparyphasma (Flor, 1861), Jassidaeuslugubris (Signoret, 1865), Metropisaris Asche, Drosopoulos & Hoch, 1983, Oncodelphaxpullula (Boheman, 1852), Ribautodelphaximitans (Ribaut, 1953), R.pungens (Ribaut, 1953), Stenocranusmajor (Kirschbaum, 1868) (Delphacidae), Latilicamaculipes (Melichar, 1906) and Tshurtshurnellaextrema Dlabola, 1980 (Issidae). Species from the following five genera are recorded in Bulgaria for the first time: Euides Fieber, 1866, Eurysula Vilbaste, 1968, Jassidaeus Fieber, 1866, Oncodelphax Wagner, 1963 (Delphacidae) and Latilica Emeljanov, 1971 (Issidae). As a result, the total numbers of known planthopper species and genera in Bulgaria become 177 species and 82 genera. The dataset of all collected specimens presented in this work was provided separately through Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Detailed distribution of the species and comments on those from the European Red Lists are also provided.

A new species of Oecleus (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae) from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and a reassessment of the generic status of Nymphomyndus.

A new species of cixiid planthopper in the genus Oecleus Stl is described from Tortuguero, Limn Province, Costa Rica. This is the first Oecleus species reported from Costa Rica. The new species, Oecleus dormido sp. n., was collected sweeping grassy edge habitat near the Caribbean coast. Sequence data for COI, 18S, and H3 was generated for phylogenetic comparison of the new species with other available Oecleus species and New World Oecleini to test genus-level placement and provide a preliminary examination of the phylogenetic relationships among New World genera of Oecleini. The results indicate that Oecleus, Haplaxius and Myxia are monophyletic, at least among the included taxa, the genera (Myxia+((Nymphocixia+Nymphomyndus)+Haplaxius) may form a clade apart from Oecleus. The monobasic genera Nymphocixia+Nymphomyndus are closely allied, with a difference of 0.98% for 18S, compared to an average of 2.2% among other included oecleine genera. In view of the limited morphological and molecular differences between these genera, we propose Nymphomyndus as a junior synonym of Nymphocixia.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Myconus (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoroidea: Achilidae) from the Los Angeles Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.

Recent survey work in Costa Rica has resulted in the discovery of a wide variety of undescribed species of planthoppers in the families Derbidae and Cixiidae. During a light trapping event in the Los Angeles cloud forest, a large planthopper was collected and determined to belong to the genus Myconus in the family Achilidae. Herein, the novel taxon is described with accompanying molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene and an updated key for the New World Myconus is provided.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Tico (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Derbidae) on palms from lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica.

Recently, the genus Tico Bahder Bartlett was described as part of ongoing research focused on planthopper diversity on palms in Costa Rica to accommodate two new species and the transfer of one species from Cenchrea Westwood. Herein, a new species of Tico is described from palms and Heliconia spp. at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Placement of the novel taxon is supported by molecular analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and 18S rRNA gene.

Biological features of Metcalfa (<i>Metcalfa pruinosa</i> Say, 1830) (Homoptera, Flatidae) and the issues of regulation of its abundance in the central zone of Krasnodar Territory

Aim . The study of some biological features of the potentially dangerous for the south of Russia species of Metcalfa or citrus flaccid planthopper ( Metcalfa pruinosa (Say, 1830) (Homoptera, Flatidae) and the possibility of regulating its abundance with low‐hazard pesticides (hazard class 3‐4): actara, phytoverm and the biopreparation, bitoxibacillin. Material and Methods . Metcalfa's monitoring was carried out on trees and shrubs in the city of Krasnodar and its environs in various zones of anthropogenic load in 2018‐2021. Results . An initial assessment of the effectiveness of pesticides was carried out, as well as the identification of possible sites of the presence of Metcalfa and the study of phenology. The hatching of larvae of this species occurs in spring from late April to June, one generation per year. However, in late August – early October, larvae of younger ages were found, which indicates the development of a second incomplete generation and confirms the literature data on a possible increase in the number of planthopper generations in new areas. Joint colonies of Metcalfa with lace beetles were also noted. Monitoring was carried out using light traps based on superbright LEDs. Conclusion . Based on the results of route surveys in our studies, plants from the Rosaceae family turned out to be the most attractive for planthoppers, which accounted for about 25% of the recorded species. At the peak of flight, the catchability of light traps in our experiments was up to 210. As a result of testing preparations on larvae of younger ages, treatment with Aktara (2 l/ha) showed 100% efficiency; 92‐85% – Fitoverm (1 l/ha) and 83‐78% Bitoxibacillin (4 l/ha).

First Caliscelidae planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) from mid-Miocene Zhangpu amber

A new extinct genus and species, Zhangpumazus sheni n. gen. n. sp., of the planthopper family Caliscelidae Amyot and Audinet-Serville, 1843, is described from mid-Miocene Zhangpu amber. This is the second fossil record of this family and the first formally described planthopper species from Zhangpu biota. This new genus and species is apparently closely related to Delhina eurybrachydoidesDistant, 1912 based on body structures and wing venation, and therefore can be attributed to the subfamily Ommatidiotinae Fieber, 1875, tribe Adenissini Dlabola, 1980, subtribe Coinquendina Gnezdilov and Wilson, 2006. This new taxon also shares some characters with Phusta dantelaGnezdilov, 2008a from the subtribe Pteriliina Gnezdilov and Wilson, 2006 of the Adenissini. Thus, Zhangpumazus sheni n. gen. n. sp. occupies an intermediate position between the subtribes Coinquendina and Pteriliina. The discovery of the new genus indicates that its related groups might have a wider distribution in Southeast Asia during Miocene.

Host plant identity and condition shape phytophagous insect communities on urban maple (Acer spp.) trees

By mitigating the negative effects of urbanization, urban trees contribute significantly to the well-being of urban citizens. However, trees themselves are also exposed to urban stress that can influence tree condition and tree-herbivore interactions. Maple species (Acer spp.) are among the most commonly planted trees in urban areas throughout North America and Europe. Among these species, field, sycamore, and Norway maple are native to Europe, but tolerate environmental stress to varying degrees. Here, we compared the phytophagous insect communities in the canopy of these tree species in the city of Budapest, Hungary. We also examined the stress level [expressed as peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity], and physiological condition (expressed as degree of leaf necrosis and leaf fall) of the maple trees, and their relationship to herbivore abundance. We observed higher total abundance of phytophagous insects on field and sycamore maple compared to Norway maple. Most herbivorous species were associated with field maple, sycamore had the highest aphid densities, and Norway maple harbored the least specific phytophagous insect community. Field maple trees were in the best condition while Norway maple trees in the worst condition, i.e., with the highest proportion of necrotic leaf surface area. The super-abundant planthopper species, Metcalfa pruinosa positively affected the POD activity of trees, but did not influence their condition. On the contrary, M. pruinosa abundance was driven by tree condition, with higher numbers on healthier trees. Our findings suggest that the abundance of phytophagous insects in the canopy of maple trees is highly determined by tree condition, and in this study field maple had the highest and Norway maple the lowest tolerance for urban stress.

First report of the invasive crop pest Stenocranus pacificus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in temperate Asia

AbstractNumerous delphacid planthopper species are major pests of economically important and widely cultivated crops (i.e. rice, corn, and sugarcane). These insects have the potential to become serious crop pests in areas where they have either naturally migrated or been newly introduced. The white‐bellied planthopper, Stenocranus pacificus Kirkaldy, 1907, originally known from tropical South Pacific islands, appeared in tropical and subtropical Asia in the early years of the 21st century. Since then, S. pacificus has become a serious pest of corn in some Southeast Asian countries, although it also feeds on rice, sugarcane, sorghum, and other grasses. Here, we report the presence of S. pacificus in mainland Japan, representing the first record of this species in temperate Asia. Seven male and 17 female adult individuals collected in Kumamoto Prefecture in 2019 and 2020 were identified as S. pacificus based on their morphological characteristics and mitochondrial COI sequences. In addition, molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that S. pacificus formed a distinct clade from other Stenocranus species, indicating uncertainty in its generic assignment. Although crop damage by S. pacificus has not yet been reported from temperate regions, given its wide range of plant hosts and the potential for future range expansions, damaged crops in Asia, including in temperate regions, should be monitored for the presence of this species.

A new species of planthopper from Costa Rica in the genus Oropuna from palms in lowland tropical rainforest

The derbid genus Oropuna is a small taxon of Neotropical planthoppers in the tribe Cenchreini comprised of three species. Recent survey work on palms for planthoppers in Costa Rica resulted in the discovery of a fourth species, Oropuna halo sp. n. In this study the new species is described and a key to the four species is provided along with sequence data for the cyctochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S rRNA gene for the novel taxon.

Morphological reassessment of the movable calcar of delphacid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae)

This study presents the morphology of calcar in adult Delphacidae based on representatives of the genera Ugyops Guérin-Meneville, 1834, Notuchus Fennah, 1969 (Ugyopini), Asiraca Latreille, 1798 (Asiracini), Kelisia Fieber, 1866, (Kelisini), Stenocranus Fieber, 1866 (Stenocranini), Chloriona Fieber, 1866, Megadelphax Wagner, 1963, Muellerianella Wagner, 1963, Javesella Fennah, 1963, Conomelus Fieber, 1866, Euconomelus Haupt, 1929, Hyledelphax Vilbaste, 1968, Stiroma Fieber, 1866, Struebingianella Wagner, 1963 and Xanthodelphax Wagner, 1963 (Delphacini). We used SEM electron microscopy, to define seven types of calcar structure (Types 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) based on combinations of characters including shape, number of teeth and differentiation of sensory structures in species from fifteen genera. Additionally, two other types (Types 3 and 4) were determined based on the calcar descriptions from previous studies. Similarities and differences in calcar structure and function were discussed and emerging relationships between planthopper species and their particular habitats were indicated.

Bitara gen. nov. of Tropiduchidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) east of Wallace line.

A new genus and species of the tropiduchid planthopper of the tribe Tropiduchini is described as Bitara augusta gen. et sp. nov. from Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. It is the 18th species of Tropiduchini and the 9th genus known east of the Wallace line. It is another taxon with characteristic asymmetric genitalia within this tribe.

A new species of planthopper in genus Herpis (Hemiptera: Derbidae) from lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica.

Recent survey efforts in the Neotropics have documented a variety of new species of planthoppers associated with palms. Herein, a new species, Herpis soros sp. n., is described from palms in lowland tropical rainforest from Costa Rica. Other species in the genus (H. metcalfi, H. albida, and H. fuscovittata) are evaluated to provide an updated diagnosis of the genus Herpis. The New World Phaciocephalus is examined because two species were described in the genus Herpis with P. fimbriolata being recorded for both Herpis and Phaciocephalus. After examining holotype material for the New World Phaciocephalus, two species were determined to belong to other genera resulting in new combinations Oropuna orba comb. n. and Persis (Anapersis) pallidovenosa comb. n. The synonymy of Syntames with Herpis is reviewed, with S. fuscus moved to Oropuna as Oropuna fusca comb. n. Finally, molecular analysis of the new species based on COI and 18S show strong support for H. soros sp. n. as a distinct clade relative to all other cenchreines available.

Endemism Patterns of Planthoppers (Fulgoroidea) in China

Studies on endemism are always of high interest in biogeography and contribute to better understanding of the evolution of species and making conservation plans. The present study aimed to investigate the endemism patterns of planthoppers in China by delimiting centers of endemism and areas of endemism. We collected 6,907 spatial distribution records for 860 endemic planthopper species from various resources. Centers of endemism were identified using weighted endemism values at 1° grid size. Parsimony analysis of endemicity and endemicity analysis were employed to detect areas of endemism at 1°, 1.5°, and 2° grid sizes. Six centers of endemism located in mountainous areas were identified: Taiwan Island, Hainan Island, eastern Yungui Plateau, Wuyi Mountains, western Qinling Mountains, and western Yunnan. We also delimited six areas of endemism, which were generally consistent with centers of endemism. Our findings demonstrated that mountainous areas have an essential role in facilitating the high level of endemism and formation of areas of endemism in planthoppers through the combined effects of complex topography, a long-term stable environment, and geological events. Dispersal ability and distribution of host plants also have important effects on the patterns of planthoppers’ endemism.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Amino Acid Polyamine Organocation Transporter Family Genes Reveal Their Role in Fecundity Regulation in a Brown Planthopper Species (Nilaparvata lugens).

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera:Delphacidae), is one of the most destructive pests of rice worldwide. As a sap-feeding insect, the BPH is incapable of synthesizing several amino acids which are essential for normal growth and development. Therefore, the insects have to acquire these amino acids from dietary sources or their endosymbionts, in which amino acid transporters (AATs) play a crucial role by enabling the movement of amino acids into and out of insect cells. In this study, a common amino acid transporter gene family of amino acid/polyamine/organocation (APC) was identified in BPHs and analyzed. Based on a homology search and conserved functional domain recognition, 20 putative APC transporters were identified in the BPH genome. Molecular trait analysis showed that the verified BPH APC family members were highly variable in protein features, conserved motif distribution patterns, and exon/intron organization. Phylogenetic analysis of five hemipteran species revealed an evolutionary pattern of interfamily conservation and lineage-specific expansion of this gene family. Moreover, stage- and tissue-specific expression analysis revealed diverse expression patterns in the 20 BPH APC transporter genes. Lastly, a potential BPH fecundity regulatory gene of NlAPC09 was identified and shown to participate in the fecundity regulation through the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA inference experiments. Our results provide a basis for further functional investigations of APC transporters in BPH.

Genetic Variability of Haplaxius crudus, Based on the 5′ Region of the Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I Gene, Sheds Light on Epidemiology of Palm Lethal Decline Phytoplasmas

Haplaxius crudus is an economically important species of cixiid planthopper that is widespread and abundant throughout the Caribbean basin. It is the vector of lethal yellowing and putative vector of lethal bronzing, both phytoplasma diseases of palm that cause death in Florida and the Caribbean. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of H. crudus in Florida to determine whether divergent populations existed. The 5′ region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene was used as the molecular marker. DNA sequences were obtained from 236 specimens collected throughout Florida, United States as well as populations from the southeastern United States. Populations from Costa Rica, Colombia, and Jamaica were included to compare differences between isolated populations. In Florida, four haplotypes were discovered, with 97% of individuals belonging to a single haplotype, two smaller haplotypes comprising six and four individuals, and a single haplotype comprising one individual. Populations from Texas and Mississippi represented distinct haplotypes whereas populations from Georgia and South Carolina were identical to the predominant haplotype in Florida. Populations from Costa Rica and Colombia were highly divergent whereas the population from Jamaica was 100% identical to the predominant population in Florida. These findings highlight measurable levels of genetic variability of H. crudus in Florida, and the similarity to populations from Jamaica highlight the need for more robust sampling throughout the Caribbean to better understand movement and invasion potential of this species. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

A new genus and species of planthopper from Seychelles endemic palm forest (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Derbidae)

ABSTRACT A remarkable derbid planthopper was discovered in endemic palm forest on Praslin, Seychelles. Here, we describe it as Salaziella praslinensis Bolotov & Spitsyn gen. & sp. nov. (Derbidae: Otiocerinae: Zoraidini). The new taxon habitually resembles a group of Zoraidini genera, the frons of which shares gradually widening lateral carinae in the upper part, that is, Zorabana Van Stalle, 1984 from Africa and Helcita Stal, 1856 [=Jada Distant, 1906] from Africa and tropical Asia. However, it can be distinguished from these genera based on diagnostic differences in the tegmen venation pattern. The new species is known to occur in a single forest patch on Praslin and seems to be threatened by habitat loss and invasive species impact. Hence, it could be accessed as Critically Endangered (CR B1a). http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E3236191-01A7-4DD4-905D-1D236C0F1446