Evolution of the planthoppers (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea)

Wax "tails" enable planthopper nymphs to self-right midair and land on their feet

The striking appearance of wax 'tails' - posterior wax projections on planthopper nymphs - has captivated entomologists and naturalists alike. Despite their intriguing presence, the functional roles of these structures remain largely unexplored. This study leverages high-speed imaging to uncover the biomechanical implications of these wax formations in the aerial dynamics of planthopper nymphs (Ricania sp.). We quantitatively demonstrate that removing wax tails significantly increases body rotations during jumps. Specifically, nymphs without wax projections undergo continuous rotations, averaging 4.3 ± 1.9 per jump, in contrast to wax-intact nymphs, who narrowly complete a full rotation, averaging only 0.7 ± 0.2 per jump. This suggests that wax structures effectively counteract rotation through aerodynamic drag forces. These stark differences in body rotation correlate with landing success: nymphs with wax intact achieve a near perfect landing rate of 98.5%, while those without wax manage only a 35.5% success rate. Jump trajectory analysis reveals transitions from parabolic to Tartaglia shapes at higher take-off velocities for wax-intact nymphs, illustrating how wax structures assist nymphs in achieving stable, controlled descents. Our findings confirm the aerodynamic self-righting functionality of wax tails in stabilizing planthopper landings, advancing our understanding of the complex interplay between wax morphology and aerial maneuverability, with broader implications for the evolution of flight in wingless insects and bioinspired robotics.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Bothriocera (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cixiidae) from coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) in Jamaica

Recent survey work in Jamaica on palm-associated planthoppers seeks to identify putative vectors of the lethal yellowing phytoplasma. Herein, a new species of planthopper, Bothriocera harthi sp. n., is described from coconut palm. Molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 18S rRNA gene, histone 3 (H3) gene, and 28S rRNA gene is provided to support placement of the novel taxon in Bothriocera. These findings are important because it provides novel data to help better understand the diversity and evolution of this unique group of planthoppers.

Phylogeny and diversification of planthoppers (Hemiptera Fulgoromorpha) based on a comprehensive molecular dataset and large taxon sampling

Our understanding of the evolution of Fulgoromorpha (Insects, Hemiptera) has relied on molecular studies that have only considered either a limited number of taxa where all the families were not represented simultaneously, or a reduced number of genes.The absence of a global analysis comparing all the available data has thus led to significant biases in the analyzes, as evidenced by the incongruence of the results reported for planthopper phylogeny. Here we provide a phylogenetic and dating analysis of the Fulgoromorpha with a large sampling of 531 ingroup taxa, representing about 80% of the currently described suprageneric taxonomic diversity in this group. This study is based on most of the molecular sequences available to date and duly verified, for a set of nuclear and mitochondrial genes from a taxonomic sampling as complete as possible. The most significant results of our study are: (1) the unexpected paraphyly of Delphacidae whose Protodelphacida seem more related to Cixiidae than to other Delphacidae;(2) the group Meenoplidae-Kinnaridae recovered sister to the remaining Fulgoroidea families; (3) the early branching node of Tettigometridae sister of all the other families;(4) the Achilidae-Derbidae clade with Achilidae Plectoderini including Achilixiidae recovered as monophyletic as well as theFulgoridae-Dictyopharidae clade; and (5) the Tropiduchidae placed sister to the other so called 'higher' families (sec. Shcherbakov, 2006).Our divergence times analysis, calibrated with a set of duly verified fossils, suggests that the first diversification of planthoppers occurred in the Early Triassic around 240 Mya and those of the superfamilies Delphacoidea and Fulgoroidea in the Middle-Late Triassic around 210 Mya and 230 Mya, respectively. By the end of the Jurassic, all major planthopper lineages were originated, and all families, around 125 Mya, might havebeen driven in their distribution and evolution (in their first subfamilial divisions) by the geographical constraints of the Gondwanan break-up.Rapid evolutionary radiations occurred particularly in Fulgoridae around 125-130 Mya. Our results stress the importance of the good quality of the sequences used in the molecular analyzes and the primordial importance of a large sampling when analyzing the phylogeny of the group.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Jamaha (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Nogodinidae) from the Northeastern coast of Jamaica

A new species of Jamaha Gnezdilov & O’Brien, 2008, is described from Jamaica and compared with other species in the genus. A key to the species of Jamaha is provided. Molecular data for the five-prime region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and 18S rRNA gene is provided and compared to available Colpopterini, with other Nogodinidae as the outgroup, for a preliminary phylogenetic analysis. While the Colpopterini grouped with high support, these data remain too sparse to draw firm conclusions.  

Genome Organization and Comparative Evolutionary Mitochondriomics of Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Biotype 4 Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Nilaparvata lugens is the main rice pest in India. Until now, the Indian N. lugens mitochondrial genome has not been sequenced, which is a very important basis for population genetics and phylogenetic evolution studies. An attempt was made to sequence two examples of the whole mitochondrial genome of N. lugens biotype 4 from the Indian population for the first time. The mitogenomes of N. lugens are 16,072 and 16,081 bp long with 77.50% and 77.45% A + T contents, respectively, for both of the samples. The mitochondrial genome of N. lugens contains 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) (cox1-3, atp6, atp8, nad1-6, nad4l, and cob), 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA (rrnS and rrnL) subunits genes, which are typical of metazoan mitogenomes. However, both samples of N. lugens mitogenome in the present study retained one extra copy of the trnC gene. Additionally, we also found 93 bp lengths for the atp8 gene in both of the samples, which were 60–70 bp less than that of the other sequenced mitogenomes of hemipteran insects. The phylogenetic analysis of the 19 delphacids mitogenome dataset yielded two identical topologies when rooted with Ugyops sp. in one clade, and the remaining species formed another clade with P. maidis and M. muiri being sisters to the remaining species. Further, the genus Nilaparvata formed a separate subclade with the other genera (Sogatella, Laodelphax, Changeondelphax, and Unkanodes) of Delphacidae. Additionally, the relationship among the biotypes of N. lugens was recovered as the present study samples (biotype-4) were separated from the three biotypes reported earlier. The present study provides the reference mitogenome for N. lugens biotype 4 that may be utilized for biotype differentiation and molecular-aspect-based future studies of N. lugens.

Comparative Analysis of the Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Five Species of Ricaniidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) and Phylogenetic Implications

Ricaniidae is a relatively small planthopper family with about 69 genera and 442 species worldwide. Members of this family occur throughout the warm temperate and tropical regions. Some species cause devastating damage to major agricultural and economic plants. However, the relationship between Ricaniidae and other families of Fulgoroidea needs to be further explored. The morphological definitions of the two biggest genera, Pochazia Amyot & Serville, 1843 and Ricania Germar, 1818 (the type genus of Ricaniidae) remain controversial. In this study, mitogenomes of five representatives in these two genera were decoded using the next-generation sequence method and genome assembly. Results showed that their complete mitogenomes are circular DNA molecules with 15,457 to 16,411 bp. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) begin with the start codon ATN, GTG or TTG and end with TAA, TAG, an incomplete stop codon single T or an incomplete stop codon single A. A lost DHU arm was discovered in the trnS gene of the five mitogenomes and the trnV gene within Pochaziaconfusa, Pochazia guttifera and Ricania simulans. The remnant tRNAs folded into clover-leaf structures. The sliding window, genetic distance, and Ka/Ks analyses indicated that the cox1 gene is the slowest evolving and is relatively conserved. The phylogenetic tree topologies support (Delphacidae + (((Issidae + (Lophopidae + Caliscelidae)) + (Flatidae + Ricaniidae)) + (Achilidae + (Dictyopharidae + Fulgoridae)))) as the best topology, as recognized by both PhyloBayes, RAxML and MrBayes based on four data sets (PCG, PCGRNA, PCG12, PCG12RNA). The monophyly of Ricaniidae and the sister group status of two families Flatidae and Ricaniidae are supported, but all analyses failed to support the monophyly of Pochazia and Ricania. The diagnoses between these two genera cannot be resolved until more evidence is acquired.

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.

Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Metcalfa pruinosa and Salurnis marginella (Hemiptera: Flatidae): Genomic Comparison and Phylogenetic Inference in Fulgoroidea

The complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of two DNA barcode-defined haplotypes of Metcalfa pruinosa and one of Salurnis marginella (Hemiptera: Flatidae) were sequenced and compared to those of other Fulgoroidea species. Furthermore, the mitogenome sequences were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among fulgoroid families. The three mitogenomes, including that of the available species of Flatidae, commonly possessed distinctive structures in the 1702-1836 bp A+T-rich region, such as two repeat regions at each end and a large centered nonrepeat region. All members of the superfamily Fulgoroidea, including the Flatidae, consistently possessed a motiflike sequence (TAGTA) at the ND1 and trnS₂ junction. The phylogenetic analyses consistently recovered the familial relationships of (((((Ricaniidae + Issidae) + Flatidae) + Fulgoridae) + Achilidae) + Derbidae) in the amino acid-based analysis, with the placement of Cixiidae and Delphacidae as the earliest-derived lineages of fulgoroid families, whereas the monophyly of Delphacidae was not congruent between tree-constructing algorithms.

Characterization, Comparative Analysis and Phylogenetic Implications of Mitogenomes of Fulgoridae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)

The complete mitogenomes of nine fulgorid species were sequenced and annotated to explore their mitogenome diversity and the phylogenetics of Fulgoridae. All species are from China and belong to five genera: Dichoptera Spinola, 1839 (Dichoptera sp.); Neoalcathous Wang and Huang, 1989 (Neoalcathous huangshanana Wang and Huang, 1989); Limois Stål, 1863 (Limois sp.); Penthicodes Blanchard, 1840 (Penthicodes atomaria (Weber, 1801), Penthicodes caja (Walker, 1851), Penthicodes variegata (Guérin-Méneville, 1829)); Pyrops Spinola, 1839 (Pyrops clavatus (Westwood, 1839), Pyrops lathburii (Kirby, 1818), Pyrops spinolae (Westwood, 1842)). The nine mitogenomes were 15,803 to 16,510 bp in length with 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and a control region (A + T-rich region). Combined with previously reported fulgorid mitogenomes, all PCGs initiate with either the standard start codon of ATN or the nonstandard GTG. The TAA codon was used for termination more often than the TAG codon and the incomplete T codon. The nad1 and nad4 genes varied in length within the same genus. A high percentage of F residues were found in the nad4 and nad5 genes of all fulgorid mitogenomes. The DHU stem of trnV was absent in the mitogenomes of all fulgorids sequenced except Dichoptera sp. Moreover, in most fulgorid mitogenomes, the trnL2, trnR, and trnT genes had an unpaired base in the aminoacyl stem and trnS1 had an unpaired base in the anticodon stem. The similar tandem repeat regions of the control region were found in the same genus. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on 13 PCGs and two rRNA genes from 53 species of Fulgoroidea and seven outgroups. The Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood trees had a similar topological structure. The major results show that Fulgoroidea was divided into two groups: Delphacidae and ((Achilidae + (Lophopidae + (Issidae + (Flatidae + Ricaniidae)))) + Fulgoridae). Furthermore, the monophyly of Fulgoridae was robustly supported, and Aphaeninae was divided into Aphaenini and Pyropsini, which includes Neoalcathous, Pyrops, Datua Schmidt, 1911, and Saiva Distant, 1906. The genus Limois is recovered in the Aphaeninae, and the Limoisini needs further confirmation; Dichoptera sp. was the earliest branch in the Fulgoridae.

Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of Nisia fuliginosa (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Meenoplidae)

We explored characterization of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome or mtGenome) and phylogenetic analysis between 32 Fulgoroid species by sequencing and analyzing the mitogenome of Nisia fuliginosa Yang and Hu, 1985 (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Meenoplidae), thereby making it the first determined mitogenome from the family Meenoplidae. The mitogenome was found to be 15,754 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a control region. All PCGs started with typical ATN codons, except for nad1, which used GTG as the start codon. Canonical TAA termination codons were found in 10 PCGs and the remaining three genes (cox2, nad6, and nad1) had incomplete stop codons T. All tRNAs could fold into typical cloverleaf secondary structures, with the exception of trnC, trnV, and trnS1. Additionally, we compared the AT and GC skews of 13 PCGs of 32 Fulgoroidea mitogenomes, on the L-strand, the AT and GC skews were negative and positive, respectively. However, on the H-strand, the AT skew could be positive or negative and the GC skew was always negative. Phylogenetic results showed that the eight families of Fulgoroidea were divided into two large groups. Delphacidae formed a monophyletic group sister to a clade comprising Meenoplidae and other six families (Fulgoridae, Ricaniidae, Flatidae, Issidae, Caliscelidae, and Achilidae). Meenoplidae was located near the clade of Delphacidae, and Fulgoridae was located near the clade of Meenoplidae. Furthermore, Caliscelidae, Issidae, Ricaniidae, and Flatidae are closely related and they collectively formed a sister group to Achilidae.

Characterization of Three Complete Mitogenomes of Flatidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) and Compositional Heterogeneity Analysis in the Planthoppers' Mitochondrial Phylogenomics

Although sequences of mitogenomes have been widely used for investigating phylogenetic relationship, population genetics, and biogeography in many members of Fulgoroidea, only one complete mitogenome of a member of Flatidae has been sequenced. Here, the complete mitogenomes of Cerynia lineola, Cromna sinensis, and Zecheuna tonkinensis are sequenced. The gene arrangements of the three new mitogenomes are consistent with ancestral insect mitogenomes. The strategy of using mitogenomes in phylogenetics remains in dispute due to the heterogeneity in base composition and the possible variation in evolutionary rates. In this study, we found compositional heterogeneity and variable evolutionary rates among planthopper mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on site-homogeneous models showed that the families (Delphacidae and Derbidae) with high values of Ka/Ks and A + T content tended to fall together at a basal position on the trees. Using a site-heterogeneous mixture CAT + GTR model implemented in PhyloBayes yielded almost the same topology. Our results recovered the monophyly of Fulgoroidea. In this study, we apply the heterogeneous mixture model to the planthoppers’ phylogenetic analysis for the first time. Our study is based on a large sample and provides a methodological reference for future phylogenetic studies of Fulgoroidea.

Structural Features and Phylogenetic Implications of Four New Mitogenomes of Caliscelidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)

To explore the differences in mitogenome variation and phylogenetics among lineages of the Hemiptera superfamily Fulgoroidea, we sequenced four new mitogenomes of Caliscelidae: two species of the genus Bambusicaliscelis (Caliscelinae: Caliscelini), namely Bambusicaliscelis flavus and B. fanjingensis, and two species of the genus Youtuus (Ommatidiotinae: Augilini), namely Youtuus strigatus and Y. erythrus. The four mitogenomes were 15,922-16,640 bp (base pair) in length, with 37 mitochondrial genes and an AT-rich region. Gene content and arrangement were similar to those of most other sequenced hexapod mitogenomes. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) started with a canonical ATN or GTG and ended with TAA or an incomplete stop codon single T. Except for two transfer RNAs (tRNAs; trnS1 and trnV) lacking a dihydrouridine arm in the four species and trnC lacking a dihydrouridine stem in the Youtuus species, the remaining tRNAs could fold into canonical cloverleaf secondary structures. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequence data of 13 PCGs in the 28 Fulgoroidea species and two outgroups revealed that Delphacidae was monophyletic with strong support. Our data suggest that Fulgoridae is more ancient than Achilidae. Furthermore, Flatidae, Issidae, and Ricaniidae always cluster to form a sister group to Caliscelidae.

Differences in the insect fauna associated to a monocultural pasture and a silvopasture in Southeastern Brazil

A major challenge for global agriculture is the reduction of the environmental impacts caused by meat and dairy production, and the conversion of monocultural pastures to silvopastoral systems has emerged as an important ally in this process. In order to understand the effects of this conversion we analysed 4 years of sampling of the insect fauna from a conventional monocultural pasture and a silvopastoral system in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We aimed to determine whether the changes caused by the conversion affected the abundance, richness and diversity of the insect orders found in the two systems. Total abundance, richness and diversity did not differ between the two systems, but we detected a significant difference in community composition. Several insect orders showed differences in either abundance, richness or diversity between the two systems, and several families of Hymenoptera, which contains pollinators and natural enemies, showed important increases in the silvopasture. Conversion of monocultural pastures to silvopastures can have important consequences on insect fauna involved in essential ecosystem functions, and the implementation of silvopastures at larger scales has the potential to benefit biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service provision at the landscape scale.

Sperm ultrastructure of Pochazia shantungensis (Chou & Lu) and Ricania speculum (Walker) (Hemiptera, Ricaniidae) with phylogenetic implications

The sperm ultrastructure of two ricaniid species, Pochaziashantungensis (Chou & Lu) and Ricaniaspeculum (Walker), was investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy. Both species have monoflagellate sperm, the shape and ultrastructure of the mature spermatozoon of these two species are similar in morphology, and 128 spermatozoa are organized into sperm bundles with their heads embedded in a homogenous matrix forming the spermatodesmata. The individual sperm is filiform and includes the head, neck and flagellum. The head is needle-like, with a bilayer acrosome and an inferior elongated nucleus which is formed of homogeneously compact and electron-dense chromatin. The neck region is indistinct and is comprised of the centriole and centriole adjunct with a homogeneous dense substance. The long flagellum has the typical 9 + 9 + 2 axoneme microtubule pattern and two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives with an orderly array of cristae flanking both sides, and a pair of well-developed fishhook-shaped accessory bodies. Current evidence shows that ricaniid species have D-shaped mitochondrial derivatives in cross-section and a serrated electron-dense region. The phylogenetic relationship of Fulgoroidea with other superfamilies in Auchenorrhyncha is briefly discussed.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of two species of the genus Aphaena Guérin-Méneville (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) and its phylogenetic implications

The complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Aphaena (Callidepsa) amabilis and Aphaena (Aphaena) discolor nigrotibiata were sequenced. The mitogenomes of these two species are 16,237 bp and 16,116 bp in length with an A + T content of 77.9% and 77.0%, respectively. Each contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and a control region (A + T-rich region). All PCGs initiate with the standard start codon of ATN and terminate with the complete stop codon of TAA or TAG except for atp6, where nad1 ends with an incomplete T codon. All tRNAs have the typical clover-leaf structure except for trnS1 and trnV which have a reduced DHU arm. Moreover, these two mitogenomes have trnL2, trnR and trnT with an unpaired base in the acceptor stem. The putative A + T-rich region includes multiple types of tandem repeat regions. These phylogenetic analyses are reconstructed based on 13 protein-coding genes of 25 auchenorrhynchan mitogenomes, with both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses yielding robust identical phylogenetic trees. These results support a monophyletic Auchenorrhyncha and the relationship (Pyrops + (Lycorma + Aphaena)) within Fulgoridae.

Insights into the phylogeny of Hemiptera from increased mitogenomic taxon sampling

Although reconstruction of the phylogeny of Hemiptera has progressed tremendously over the past two decades, some higher-level relationships remain poorly resolved. Here, we investigated the Hemiptera higher-level relationships using full mitochondrial genome data from 357 ingroup species, representing the most comprehensive sampling yet undertaken for reconstructing the phylogeny of this group. In this study, 92 mitochondrial genomes were newly determined. Various data treatment methods and substitution models were applied to tree reconstructions. Effects of compositional heterogeneity, rate heterogeneity, model adequacy and taxon sampling on support values and topological stability were explored. Phylogenetic analyses (1) confirmed the monophyly of Hemiptera under site-heterogeneous model, (2) placed Sternorrhyncha as sister to all other Hemiptera, (3) recovered Coccoidea as the sister taxon of Aphidoidea, followed successively by Aleyrodoidea and Psylloidea, and (4) indicated that the grouping of Coleorrhyncha and Fulgoromorpha was the result of long-branch attraction effect.

Comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes of five Achilidae species (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) and other Fulgoroidea reveals conserved mitochondrial genome organization

In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of five Achilidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea), Betatropis formosana, two new species (Magadhaideus luodiana sp. nov and Peltatavertexalis horizontalis sp. nov), Plectoderini sp. and Paracatonidia sp., were sequenced for the first time through next-generation sequencing. The five mitogenomes ranged from 15,214 to 16,216 bp in length, with the typical gene content and arrangement usually observed in Hexapods. The motif "ATGATAA" between atp8 and atp6 was found in all the analyzed species. An overlap "AAGCTTA" between trnW and trnC was observed in the mitogenomes of most Fulgoroidea. The structural and compositional analyses of 26 Fulgoroidea mitogenomes, including the gene rearrangement of five tRNAs (trnW, trnC and trnY; trnT and trnP), the A + T content and AT-skew of the whole mitogenomes, and the nuclear acid and amino acid compositions of the protein-coding genes (PCGs), revealed family-level differences between Delphacidae and other families (Achilidae, Flatidae, Fulgoridae, Issidae and Ricaniidae). Phylogenetic analyses of 13 protein-coding genes from 26 Fulgoroidea species by maximum likelihood and Bayesian Inference were consistent and well supported the basal position of Delphacidae, a close affinity among the families Flatidae, Issidae and Ricaniidae, and a close relationship between Achilidae and Fulgoridae.

Planthopper bugs use a fast, cyclic elastic recoil mechanism for effective vibrational communication at small body size

Vibrations through substrates are an important source of information for diverse organisms, from nematodes to elephants. The fundamental challenge for small animals using vibrational communication is to move their limited mass fast enough to provide sufficient kinetic energy for effective information transfer through the substrate whilst optimising energy efficiency over repeated cycles. Here, we describe a vibratory organ found across a commercially important group of plant-feeding insects, the planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha). This elastic recoil snapping organ generates substrate-borne broadband vibrations using fast, cyclical abdominal motion that transfers kinetic energy to the substrate through the legs. Elastic potential energy is stored and released twice using two different latched energy-storage mechanisms, each utilising a different form of elastic recoil to increase the speed of motion. Comparison to the acoustic tymbal organ of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha) reveals functional convergence in their use of elastic mechanisms to increase the efficacy of mechanical communication.

Planthopper insects produce fast abdominal twerks for vibrational communication through the substrate, employing a novel vibratory organ that uses two reciprocal elastic recoil mechanisms to generate fast cyclical motion.

Animals use substrate-borne vibrations for eavesdropping and communication over an immense range of body size—from elephants to nematodes. Vibrational communication is especially challenging for small animals because of the high mechanical power that is needed to transmit information effectively over extended distances through a substrate. Here, we show that planthoppers, a commercially important group of insects, produce vibrations for communication using a reciprocal elastic recoil mechanism that proves remarkably effective at small body size. By combining morphological and biomechanical analyses of a previously overlooked vibratory organ on the abdomen, we show that planthoppers use fast, cyclical abdominal motions to generate substrate-borne vibrations. This novel, to our knowledge, mechanism, which we term the snapping organ, makes use of slow energy storage and fast elastic recoil twice during each cycle of motion, involving two distinct elastic elements. This cyclical mechanism allows planthoppers to transmit signal pulses containing a broad range of frequencies to the substrate. The mechanism is efficient, achieving fast cyclical motion without relying on high muscle power and mass, both of which are limited for animals of small size. The snapping organ is ubiquitous across planthoppers and presents an interesting example of how elastic mechanisms can be used to enable nonacoustic vibrational communication between animals.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Idioscopus nitidulus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

The complete mitogenome of Idioscopus nitidulus (Cicadellidae) was sequenced. It comprises 15,287 base pairs (bp), including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated thirteen protein-coding genes of mitogenomes recover the monophyly of Auchenorrhyncha (Fulgoromorpha + Cicadomorpha) and Sternorrhyncha as a sister group to Auchenorrhyncha. The complete mitogenome sequence of Idioscopus nitidulusis available in the GenBank with accession number: KR024406.

New World spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae: Ischnorhininae): Dated molecular phylogeny, classification, and evolution of aposematic coloration

The spittlebug family Cercopidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadomorpha: Cercopoidea) is distributed worldwide, with highest species diversity in the tropics. Several included species are economically important pests of major agricultural crops and cultivated pasture grasses. Taxonomically, Cercopidae is divided into two subfamilies: the paraphyletic Old World Cercopinae and the monophyletic New World Ischnorhininae. Results are here presented from an investigation of phylogenetic relationships within Ischnorhininae based on DNA sequences from seven loci (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, Histone 2A, Histone 3, Wingless, Cytochrome Oxidase I, and Cytochrome Oxidase II) generated from exemplars of 119 spittlebug species. The resulting topology is used to test alternative higher-level classification hypotheses of Ischnorhininae and, with fossil-calibration, dates were estimated for major events in the evolutionary history of Cercopidae, including a much earlier divergence date (around 68-50 Mya) than previously reported in the literature. In addition, for the first time in Cercopidae, ancestral states of some predation avoidances strategies were reconstructed, with results suggesting an origin of aposematic coloration in the Cercopidae ancestor, with subsequent independent losses of aposematic coloration in multiple lineages.

Insecticidal Effects of Essential Oils against Nymphal and Adult Stage of Ricania simulans (Hemiptera: Ricanidae)

Ricania simulans (Walker, 1851) (Hemiptera: Ricanidae) nymphal and adult stages prefer all agricultural plants, bushes and young trees as their hosts, and feed on the juice of these plants and damage them areas in the Eastern Black Sea coastline since 2006. Nymphs have 5 nymphal stages and emerge in the end of May. The adults emerge early July and start to lay their eggs in early August, overwinter egg stage and gives one generation in a year. Nymphal and adult stages of R. simulans were tested against the toxicities of essential oils obtained from six plant species ( Achillea biebersteinii Afan. (Asteraceae), Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), Salvia pratensis L., (Lamiaceae), Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiaceae) and Tanacetum balsamita L. (Asteraceae)). In comparison with the control group (Ethanol+ Sterile water mix), six different plant essential oils showed an insecticidal effect against the nymphal and adult stage of R. simulans, while Neemazal was used as positive control group. It was shown that mortality of the nymphs of R. simulans increased significantly after the treatment with essential oils (P≤0.05). The essential oils were dissolved in DMSO water solution (Ethanol+ Sterile water mix), and were sprayed to adults and nymphs at 10, 15 and 20 μL/petri doses respectively. However, the mortality increased with the increment of exposure time. After an exposure of 96 h at the concentration of 20 μL/petri dish, mortality rates of R. simulans nymphal and adult stages were reported as 42.5–74.1% and 23.3–50.8%, respectively. At the end of 24 hours, the doses of 10, 15, 20 μL/petri were reported to be the most effective in 8.33% mortality of essential oil R. officinalis R. simulans nymphal stage. Similarly, 26.6, 47.5, 74.1% mortality rates was seen after 48, 72 and 96 h with the application of volatile oil of R. officinalis respectively. Positive control (Neemazal) have highest mortality rates for nymphs (98.7%) and adults (70.0%).

Phylogeny and historical biogeography of leafhopper subfamily Evacanthinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) based on morphological and molecular data

Phylogenetic relationships among major lineages of the Evacanthinae, a highly diverse leafhopper subfamily distributed worldwide, were explored by analysing a dataset of 100 discrete morphological characters and DNA sequence data from five gene regions. Sixty-seven taxa representing all evacanthine tribes and all regional faunas, and fourteen putative outgroup taxa were included. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses yielded similar tree topologies that were well resolved with strong support for the monophyly of Evacanthinae and its four previously included tribes, but indicated that Draconirvana Dietrich, was incorrectly placed to tribe and that Sophonia Walker, Evacanthus Le Peletier &Serville, Bundera Distant, Paraonukia Ishihara and Onukia Matsumura are not monophyletic. Divergence time analysis suggests that the deepest divergences coincided with breakup of Gondwana but that more recent divergences occurred largely within a single biogeographic realm during the Paleogene, with a few long-distance dispersal events. Biogeographical analyses suggest that Evacanthinae originated in Neotropical region. A new tribe, Pentoffiini trib.n., is established to include Pentoffia Kramer and Evanirvana Hill, the genus Draconirvana Dietrich, placement n. is transferred to Evacanthini from Nirvanini, a key to tribes is also given and illustrations of representative genera are provided.

Application of RNA-seq for mitogenome reconstruction, and reconsideration of long-branch artifacts in Hemiptera phylogeny

Hemiptera make up the largest nonholometabolan insect assemblage. Despite previous efforts to elucidate phylogeny within this group, relationships among the major sub-lineages remain uncertain. In particular, mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) data are still sparse for many important hemipteran insect groups. Recent mitogenomic analyses of Hemiptera have usually included no more than 50 species, with conflicting hypotheses presented. Here, we determined the nearly complete nucleotide sequence of the mitogenome for the aphid species of Rhopalosiphum padi using RNA-seq plus gap filling. The 15,205 bp mitogenome included all mitochondrial genes except for trnF. The mitogenome organization and size for R. padi are similar to previously reported aphid species. In addition, the phylogenetic relationships for Hemiptera were examined using a mitogenomic dataset which included sequences from 103 ingroup species and 19 outgroup species. Our results showed that the seven species representing the Aleyrodidae exhibit extremely long branches, and always cluster with long-branched outgroups. This lead to the failure of recovering a monophyletic Hemiptera in most analyses. The data treatment of Degen-coding for protein-coding genes and the site-heterogeneous CAT model show improved suppression of the long-branch effect. Under these conditions, the Sternorrhyncha was often recovered as the most basal clade in Hemiptera.

Planthopper family Issidae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha): linking molecular phylogeny with classification

A molecular phylogeny of the planthopper family Issidae (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea) is provided using both Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. The phylogeny is based on 18S, two parts of 28S, COXI and Cytb genes from 50 genera and 79 ingroup species (including 8 species recently excluded from Issidae). As with the only few previous studies, an important taxonomic impediment is observed with the sampling; however for the first time, all analyses depict several fully supported lineages, which challenge the recent proposed "modern classification" of the family. It also highlights a strong coherence between these lineages and their respective geographical distribution. All previously excluded taxa are confirmed as not being part of the Issidae as recently defined which monophyly is confirmed. Accordingly, a new classification of the family is proposed with 3 subfamilies and 7 tribes as follows. Neotropical issid Thioniini in Thioniinae stat. rev. is re-established as an independent lineage sister to all other Issidae. Palaearctic Issidae are weakly supported as a monophyletic lineage, Issinae stat. nov., including 2 tribes: Issini stat. nov. (genera Issus and Latissus) and Hysteropterini stat. rev. (all other Palaearctic genera). Oriental Issidae form a strongly supported monophyletic subfamily group Hemisphaeriinae stat. rev. including 4 tribes: Kodaianellini trib. nov., Sarimini trib. nov., Parahiraciini Cheng & Yang, 1991, and Hemisphaeriini Melichar, 1906, the latter including 2 subtribes: Mongolianina s.trib. nov., and Hemisphaeriina Melichar, 1906. A Neotropical lineage including the genus Picumna is provisionally placed in incertae sedis within the Hemisphaeriinae stat. nov.

Comparative cytogenetics of Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera, Homoptera): a review

A comprehensive review of cytogenetic features is provided for the large hemipteran suborder Auchenorrhyncha, which currently contains approximately 42,000 valid species. This review is based on the analysis of 819 species, 483 genera, and 31 families representing all presently recognized Auchenorrhyncha superfamilies, e.i. Cicadoidea (cicadas), Cercopoidea (spittle bugs), Membracoidea (leafhoppers and treehoppers), Myerslopioidea (ground-dwelling leafhoppers), and Fulgoroidea (planthoppers). History and present status of chromosome studies are described, as well as the structure of chromosomes, chromosome counts, trends and mechanisms of evolution of karyotypes and sex determining systems, their variation at different taxonomic levels and most characteristic (modal) states, occurrence of parthenogenesis, polyploidy, B-chromosomes and chromosome rearrangements, and methods used for cytogenetic analysis of Auchenorrhyncha.

First record of the genus Issopulex (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Caliscelidae) from Madagascar

Issopulex gloriosus China et Fennah, 1960 (Fulgoroidea: Caliscelidae) is recorded for the first time from Madagascar (Toliara Province). Habitus photos of the species are provided.

Fine structure of sensory apparatus on the head of Cixiopsis punctatus

The external morphology of the heads of adult male and female Cixiopsis punctatus (Matsumura) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae) was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Eleven types of sensilla or sensory organs were identified: trichoid sensilla on the pedicel, scape, maxillae, and labium; campaniform sensilla on the antennal pedicel, antennal scape, maxillae, and labium; plate organs on the antennal pedicel; coeloconic sensilla in Bourgoin's organ and styloconic sensilla on the expanded flagellar base; Evans' organ and button-like sensilla on the maxillary plates; basiconic sensilla, peg sensilla, and coin-shaped sensilla on the labium. Styloconic sensilla on the expanded flagellar base and peg sensilla located between the dorsal sensory field and the opening of the maxillae and mandibles were first reported in Tropiduchidae. The external morphology, distribution, and abundance of sensilla located on antennae, maxillae, and labium in C. punctatus were illustrated.

Localization and morphological variation of three bacteriome-inhabiting symbionts within a planthopper of the genus Oliarus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae)

Many planthoppers of the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) host three bacteriome-inhabiting bacteria: a gammaproteobacterium: 'Ca.Purcelliella pentastirinorum', a betaproteobacterium: 'Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea', and a member of the bacteroidetes: 'Ca.Sulcia muelleri'. Through light microscopy observations, DGGE PCR and FISH analysis, we examined the morphology and localization of these three endosymbionts within the abdomens of females of the planthopper Oliarus filicicola. Our results indicate a complex distribution and variation in bacterial morphologies. 'Ca. Sulcia muelleri' singularly colonize one pair of bacteriomes and have cells of irregular shape with an average diameter of approximately 4-5 μm. 'Ca.Purcelliella pentastirinorum' bacteria are roughly globular and have an average diameter of approximately 1.5-2 μm in a pair of bacteriomes located near the posterior end of the abdomen, which are surrounded by giant and highly degenerated cells of 'Ca.Vidania fulgoroidea'. In addition, 'Ca.Vidania fulgoroidea' colonizes the 'rectal organ' (sensu Buchner) and the bacterial cells appear as a small, roughly globular with an average diameter of 3 μm; whereas, 'Ca.Purcelliella pentastirinorum' infects an additional two bacteriomes and the bacterial cells appear tightly packed and highly degenerated. All three endosymbionts colocalize in the forming eggs inside the host's ovaries. Based on the abdominal distribution of bacteriomes and bacterial morphologies, we suggest that 'Ca.Vidania fulgoroidea' and 'Ca.Purcelliella pentastirinorum' correspond to the symbionts described by Buchner as the 'x-' and the 'c + d symbiont' respectively.

The phylogenetic information carried by a new set of morphological characters in planthoppers: the internal mouthpart structures and test in the Cixiidae model (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)

Internal morphological structures of Cixiidae mouthparts are described and compared in various representatives of the Cixiidae and several other representatives of hemipterans. The morphological study shows that the mouthpart structures have not evolved uniformly and reveals the great disparity of these structures. Particularly, the connecting system of the mouthparts, localisation of salivary canal and shape of the mandibular and maxillar stylets provide together a new set of 17 new characters. A parsimonious analysis to evaluate the phylogenetic interest carried by these 17 selected characters shows that mouthpart structures have not evolved anarchically, but that they indeed carry some phylogenetic information that will be useful to be included in further morphological phylogenetic analysis.

A preliminary molecular phylogeny of planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences

The planthopper superfamily Fulgoroidea (Insecta: Hemiptera) is one of the most dominant groups of phytophagous insects. It comprises about 20 families, containing a total of 9000 species worldwide. Despite several recent studies, the phylogeny of Fulgoroidea is not yet satisfactorily resolved and the phylogenetic positions of several key families, especially Cixiidae, Delphacidae, Tettigometridae, Nogodinidae, Acanaloniidae and Issidae, are contentious. Here, we expand upon recent phylogenetic work using additional nuclear (18S and 28S) and novel mitochondrial (16S and cytb) markers. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses yielded robust phylogenetic trees. In these topologies, a group containing Cixiidae and Delphacidae is recovered as the sister group to the remaining taxa. Tettigometridae is placed in a more nested position and is grouped with Caliscelidae. Sister relationships are found between Flatidae and Ricaniidae, and between Dictyopharidae and Fulgoridae. Nogodinidae and Issidae are confirmed to be non-monophyletic families. For major nodes of interest, divergence date estimates are generally older than those from the fossil record.

Morphology and distribution of the external labial sensilla in Fulgoromorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera)

The present paper describes the sensory structures on the apical segment of the labium in fifteen fulgoromorphan families (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha), using the scanning electron microscope. Thirteen morphologically distinct types of sensilla are identified: five types of multiporous sensilla, four types of uniporous sensilla and four types of nonporous sensilla. Three subapical sensory organ types are also recognized, formed from one to several sensilla, each characteristic of a family group. Sensilla chaetica (mechanoreceptive sensilla) fall into three categories dependent on length and are numerous and evenly distributed on the surface of the labium except where they occur on specialized sensory fields. The planthopper morphological ground plan is represented by two apical pair of sensory fields (dorsal and ventral) on which 11 dorsal pairs of sensilla (10 peg-like pairs + 1 specialized pair dome or cupola-like) and 2 ventral pairs of sensilla basiconica occur. Two main patterns (cixiid and issid) together with more specialized ones (derbid, lophopid, flatid and fulgorid) are reported. Disparity and diversity of the sensory structures are analyzed from a taxonomic and functional perspective. A gustatory function is provided for several chemoreceptive labial sensilla, as in the antennal flagellum sensilla in some other Hemiptera. This represents a more recently evolved function for the planthopper labium. Finally, further lines of study are suggested for future work on the phylogeny of the group based on the studied characters.

A molecular phylogeny of Hemiptera inferred from mitochondrial genome sequences

Classically, Hemiptera is comprised of two suborders: Homoptera and Heteroptera. Homoptera includes Cicadomorpha, Fulgoromorpha and Sternorrhyncha. However, according to previous molecular phylogenetic studies based on 18S rDNA, Fulgoromorpha has a closer relationship to Heteroptera than to other hemipterans, leaving Homoptera as paraphyletic. Therefore, the position of Fulgoromorpha is important for studying phylogenetic structure of Hemiptera. We inferred the evolutionary affiliations of twenty-five superfamilies of Hemiptera using mitochondrial protein-coding genes and rRNAs. We sequenced three mitogenomes, from Pyrops candelaria, Lycorma delicatula and Ricania marginalis, representing two additional families in Fulgoromorpha. Pyrops and Lycorma are representatives of an additional major family Fulgoridae in Fulgoromorpha, whereas Ricania is a second representative of the highly derived clade Ricaniidae. The organization and size of these mitogenomes are similar to those of the sequenced fulgoroid species. Our consensus phylogeny of Hemiptera largely supported the relationships (((Fulgoromorpha,Sternorrhyncha),Cicadomorpha),Heteroptera), and thus supported the classic phylogeny of Hemiptera. Selection of optimal evolutionary models (exclusion and inclusion of two rRNA genes or of third codon positions of protein-coding genes) demonstrated that rapidly evolving and saturated sites should be removed from the analyses.

Evolutionary history of assassin bugs (insecta: hemiptera: Reduviidae): insights from divergence dating and ancestral state reconstruction

Assassin bugs are one of the most successful clades of predatory animals based on their species numbers (∼6,800 spp.) and wide distribution in terrestrial ecosystems. Various novel prey capture strategies and remarkable prey specializations contribute to their appeal as a model to study evolutionary pathways involved in predation. Here, we reconstruct the most comprehensive reduviid phylogeny (178 taxa, 18 subfamilies) to date based on molecular data (5 markers). This phylogeny tests current hypotheses on reduviid relationships emphasizing the polyphyletic Reduviinae and the blood-feeding, disease-vectoring Triatominae, and allows us, for the first time in assassin bugs, to reconstruct ancestral states of prey associations and microhabitats. Using a fossil-calibrated molecular tree, we estimated divergence times for key events in the evolutionary history of Reduviidae. Our results indicate that the polyphyletic Reduviinae fall into 11-14 separate clades. Triatominae are paraphyletic with respect to the reduviine genus Opisthacidius in the maximum likelihood analyses; this result is in contrast to prior hypotheses that found Triatominae to be monophyletic or polyphyletic and may be due to the more comprehensive taxon and character sampling in this study. The evolution of blood-feeding may thus have occurred once or twice independently among predatory assassin bugs. All prey specialists evolved from generalist ancestors, with multiple evolutionary origins of termite and ant specializations. A bark-associated life style on tree trunks is ancestral for most of the lineages of Higher Reduviidae; living on foliage has evolved at least six times independently. Reduviidae originated in the Middle Jurassic (178 Ma), but significant lineage diversification only began in the Late Cretaceous (97 Ma). The integration of molecular phylogenetics with fossil and life history data as presented in this paper provides insights into the evolutionary history of reduviids and clears the way for in-depth evolutionary hypothesis testing in one of the most speciose clades of predators.

Morphology, distribution, and abundance of antennal sensilla of male and female macropterous and brachypterous small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

The antennal sensilla of both genders of macropterous and brachypterous adults of the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed seven types of antennal sensilla in adult L. striatellus which were not evenly distributed on all antennal segments. Sensilla chaetica, a sensillum campaniformium and a Böhm bristle were found on the scape. Sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla placodea which always present as plaque organs, sensilla basiconica and a sensillum campaniformium were present on the pedicel. Three sensilla basiconica and one sensillum coeloconicum containing two sensory pegs were located on the swollen sensory region of the basal flagellum. Pores observed on the surface of s. trichodea and s. placodea suggest these organs probably play a role in olfaction, whereas the aporous s. chaetica with flexible sockets probably function as mechanoreceptors. The aporous s. basiconica with inflexible sockets are probable to be thermo-hygroreceptors while the Böhm bristle and s. campaniformia may act as antennal proprioceptors. The function of s. coeloconicum remains uncertain. The numerical dominance of antennal olfactory receptors suggests olfaction is an important function of the antenna in L. striatellus. Although a small degree of sexual/wing dimorphism was observed in the numbers of sensilla and in the length and width of antennae and antennal segments, the basic shape and structure of the antennae and antennal sensilla did not differ between the gender or wing form in L. striatellus.

Two ancient bacterial endosymbionts have coevolved with the planthoppers (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea)

Background

Members of the hemipteran suborder Auchenorrhyncha (commonly known as planthoppers, tree- and leafhoppers, spittlebugs, and cicadas) are unusual among insects known to harbor endosymbiotic bacteria in that they are associated with diverse assemblages of bacterial endosymbionts. Early light microscopic surveys of species representing the two major lineages of Auchenorrhyncha (the planthopper superfamily Fulgoroidea; and Cicadomorpha, comprising Membracoidea [tree- and leafhoppers], Cercopoidea [spittlebugs], and Cicadoidea [cicadas]), found that most examined species harbored at least two morphologically distinct bacterial endosymbionts, and some harbored as many as six. Recent investigations using molecular techniques have identified multiple obligate bacterial endosymbionts in Cicadomorpha; however, much less is known about endosymbionts of Fulgoroidea. In this study, we present the initial findings of an ongoing PCR-based survey (sequencing 16S rDNA) of planthopper-associated bacteria to document endosymbionts with a long-term history of codiversification with their fulgoroid hosts.

Results

Results of PCR surveys and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA recovered a monophyletic clade of Betaproteobacteria associated with planthoppers; this clade included Vidania fulgoroideae, a recently described bacterium identified in exemplars of the planthopper family Cixiidae. We surveyed 77 planthopper species representing 18 fulgoroid families, and detected Vidania in 40 species (representing 13 families). Further, we detected the Sulcia endosymbiont (identified as an obligate endosymbiont of Auchenorrhyncha in previous studies) in 30 of the 40 species harboring Vidania. Concordance of the Vidania phylogeny with the phylogeny of the planthopper hosts (reconstructed based on sequence data from five genes generated from the same insect specimens from which the bacterial sequences were obtained) was supported by statistical tests of codiversification. Codiversification tests also supported concordance of the Sulcia phylogeny with the phylogeny of the planthopper hosts, as well as concordance of planthopper-associated Vidania and Sulcia phylogenies.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the Betaproteobacterium Vidania is an ancient endosymbiont that infected the common ancestor of Fulgoroidea at least 130 million years ago. Comparison of our findings with the early light-microscopic surveys conducted by Müller suggests that Vidania is Müller’s x-symbiont, which he hypothesized to have codiversified with most lineages of planthoppers and with the Sulcia endosymbiont.

Exploitation of insect vibrational signals reveals a new method of pest management

Food production is considered to be the main source of human impact on the environment and the concerns about detrimental effects of pesticides on biodiversity and human health are likely to lead to an increasingly restricted use of chemicals in agriculture. Since the first successful field trial, pheromone based mating disruption enabled sustainable insect control, which resulted in reduced levels of pesticide use. Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments of agriculture and with the continuously growing public concern about use of pesticides, the main remaining challenge in increasing the safety of the global food production is to identify appropriate alternative mating disruption approaches for the numerous insect pests that do not rely on chemical communication. In the present study, we show for the first time that effective mating disruption based on substrate-borne vibrational signals can be achieved in the field. When disruptive vibrational signals were applied to grapevine plants through a supporting wire, mating frequency of the leafhopper pest Scaphoideus titanus dropped to 9 % in semi-field conditions and to 4 % in a mature vineyard. The underlying mechanism of this environmentally friendly pest-control tactic is a masking of the vibrational signals used in mate recognition and location. Because vibrational communication is widespread in insects, mating disruption using substrate vibrations can transform many open field and greenhouse based farming systems.

Review of the oriental monotypic genus pibrocha kirkaldy (hemiptera, fulgoromorpha, fulgoridae, dorysarthrinae)

The monotypic genus Pibrocha Kirkaldy, 1902, known only from Sri Lanka in the Oriental region, is closely related to Dorysarthrus Puton, 1895 from southwestern Asia and northern Africa (Palaearctic region). The genusis revised to include a first description of the male genital structures and a discussion of relationships between Pibrocha, Dorysarthrus and Dichoptera Spinola, 1839. A diagnostic key to the three genera and photos of their type species are provided for better comparison in these taxa. Pibrocha is assigned tentatively from Dictyopharidae to the subfamily Dorysarthrinae (Fulgoridae).