New Cretaceous Fossil Achilidae Taxa (Insecta, Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha) from Burmese Ambers with Description of Niryasaburniini Trib. Nov

A new species Niryasaburnia nigrutomia sp. nov. of the planthopper family Achilidae from Burmese amber collected from Hukawng Valley (Tanai) of northern Myanmar, is described, notably based on forewing pattern coloration and metatibiotarsal teeth conformation. A new fossil genus with its type species Sinuovenaxius kachinensis gen. et sp. nov. is also described. The tribe Niryasaburniini trib. nov. is established to include Niryasaburnia Szwedo, 2004, and Sinuovenaxius gen. nov., based on a unique combination of characters, of which the following states are particularly notable: head with compound eyes around half the length of pronotum, late forking of ScP+R and CuA after the fusion of Pcu+A1 on the forewing, apical teeth of metatarsomeres I and II both with subapical platellar sensilla, and a unique hindwing pattern with simple RP and biforked MP, CuA with two terminals only, and with A2 simple, reaching the posterior wing margin. The hindwing venation of this new tribe with RP with only one terminal and both MP and CuA with two terminals is unique in Achilidae.

Bioinspire-Explore: Taxonomy-Driven Exploration of Biodiversity Data for Bioinspired Innovation

Successful bioinspired design depends on practitioners' access to biological data in a relevant form. Although multiple open-access biodiversity databases exist, their presentation is often adapted to life scientists, rather than bioinspired designers. In this paper, we present a new tool, "Bioinspire-Explore", for navigating biodiversity data in order to uncover biological systems of interest for a range of sectors. Bioinspire-Explore allows users to search for inspiring biological models via taxa (species, genera, etc.) as an entry point. It provides information on a taxon's position in the "tree of life", its distribution and climatic niche, as well as its appearance. Bioinspire-Explore also shows users connections in the bioinspiration literature between their taxon of interest and associated biological processes, habitats, and physical measurements by way of their semantic proximity. We believe Bioinspire-Explore has the potential to become an indispensable resource for both biologists and bioinspired designers in different fields.

Tightening the requirements for species diagnoses would help integrate DNA-based descriptions in taxonomic practice

Modern advances in DNA sequencing hold the promise of facilitating descriptions of new organisms at ever finer precision but have come with challenges as the major Codes of bionomenclature contain poorly defined requirements for species and subspecies diagnoses (henceforth, species diagnoses), which is particularly problematic for DNA-based taxonomy. We, the commissioners of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, advocate a tightening of the definition of "species diagnosis" in future editions of Codes of bionomenclature, for example, through the introduction of requirements for specific information on the character states of differentiating traits in comparison with similar species. Such new provisions would enhance taxonomic standards and ensure that all diagnoses, including DNA-based ones, contain adequate taxonomic context. Our recommendations are intended to spur discussion among biologists, as broad community consensus is critical ahead of the implementation of new editions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and other Codes of bionomenclature.

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.

Toward a new classification of planthoppers Hemiptera Fulgoromorpha: 2. Higher taxa, their names and their composition

A synthesis of planthopper suprafamilial and familial classification is provided and discussed, solving some nomenclatural issues for the group, and adopting an enriched presentation with a clear distinction between the taxon name and its concept.

Coframalaxius bletteryi gen. et sp. nov. from subterranean habitat in Southern France (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae, Oecleini)

A new planthoppers genus and species of CixiidaeOecleini, Coframalaxius bletteryigen. nov. sp. nov. newly discovered in a cave near Nice in southern France, is described. Molecular analysis confirms the morphology-based classification of Coframalaxius as sister to Trigonocranus within the Oecleni. Several morphological characters are further discussed. A double-grasping coxo-femoral and femoro-tibial system is regarded as apomorphic for the oecline taxa and would allow the nymph to firmly grab the roots and rootlets on which it feeds or use to progress in the soil. Wing vein patterns are discussed in the Cixiidae: 1) for the forewings, Oecleini belong to the trifid type of the anterior MP branch, leading to the reinterpretation of some recently described Neotropical species, 2) for the hindwing, four connection types (U-, V-, Y- and I-types) between MP and CuA are described. Oecleini belongs to I-type with a complete fusion of MP3+4 with CuA1. Although the area where the cave is located is well-studied with respect to its regularly sampled epigean fauna for many years, the taxon is new to science, highlighting its probable completely hypogean life cycle and leading to consider Coframalaxius bletteryi as an eutroglophile species.

Distribution patterns of Chinese Cixiidae (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea), highlight their high endemic diversity

Background

Cixiidae are small strictly phytophagous hemipteran insects worldwide distributed. Ecology and systematics of Chinese fauna remains poorly investigated. For instance, does their distribution follows the patterns of biogeogaphical distribution established for their host plants or other related-taxa because they are all obligatory phytophagous taxa? Do they follow the usual distributional Chinese realms and boundaries already recognized? Which zoogeographical Chinese regions and connections between them do they depict. To investigate these issues, we provide here a referenced and comprehensive checklist of the 250 cixiid species currently reported from China (77 new records), with their precise distribution at the regional level. In the 8 Chinese main zoogeographical regions usually recognized and 2 adjacent areas, we analyzed further their diversity at the tribal, generic, and specific levels using a non-metric multidimensional scaling and an unweighted pairwise group analysis using an arithmetic mean cluster analyses. The observed distribution patterns shown that an intercalary Sino-Japanese realm is recognisable between the Palaearctic and Oriental realms. At the regional level, the South China region clusters more closely with the Southwest, Central and North China regions. Taiwan, clearly separated from the South China region and mainland China, is more closely related to the Qinghai-Tibet region and Indochina countries. Although Central and South China regions remain close to each other, the Qinghai-Tibet region appears singularly different.

New information

An updated checklist of the 250 Cixiidae species, known to occur in China and counting for 10% of the Chinese planthopper fauna, is presented based on literature, recent collections, and museum records. More than 400 records distributed among the 28 provinces and 8 regions in China are extensively provided, including 77 new records. Of these, more than 80% of the species (205 species, 82%) have been only reported from China, and most of them are endemic species, which could reflects the great diversity degree of the Chinese regions and local biotypes highlights the uniqueness of this fauna. These species are found in 8 Chinese zoogeographical regions: The Taiwan region is the most diversified with 161 species and the highest rate of endemic species (69.57%), followed by South China (78 species, 17.95%), Central China (60 species, 33.33%), Southwest China (43 species, 39.53%), North China (29 species, 34.48%), Qinghai-Tibet region (10 species, 20%), Northeast China (8 species, 12.5%), and 5 species found in the Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang region that are not endemic ones. Endemism was analyzed for each region and repeated for species distribution patterns across them, 9 being bi-regionally and tri-regionally distributed. The South China-Taiwan pattern is the most richest one, followed by the Central-South China-Taiwan pattern. Semonini and Pentastirini tribes are widespread among all the zoological regions, representing respectively 21.20% and 17.20% of all the species, while Cixiini being is the most common tribe with 45.20%, remains absent from the North-Eastern China region. Andini with only 5.20% of the species is distributed in the Sino-Japanese - Oriental Region; Eucarpini (6.40%) and Borysthenini (2.00%) are mainly concentrated in the south of the Qingling Mountain-Huai River. The remaining four tribes, Bennini (0.40%), Briixini (0.80%), Oecleini (1.20%) and Stenophlepsiini (0.40%) are relatively rare and restricted to Taiwan. At the generic level, Kuvera (7.2%) is the most widely distributed genus in China while Cixius, Betacixius, Kuvera, Oecleopsis and Andes are the more diversified. One genus (Oliparisca) is distributed only in the Tibet region, while 10 genera are distributed only in the Taiwan region. In addition, nearly half of the genera (16 genera, 48.48%) are distributed south of the Palearctic/Oriental boundary. A non-metric multidimensional scaling and an unweighted pairwise group method analysis using arithmetic mean clustering based on the Jaccard similarity coefficient matrix support a Palaearctic/Sino-Japanese boundary and a South China region closer to the Southwest, Central and North China regions. The Taiwan region appears clearly separated from the South China region and to mainland China, and more closely related to the Qinghai-Tibet region and Indochina countries. The Central and South China regions appear close to each other, but the Qinghai-Tibet region is singularly isolated.

A New Cixiid Fossil Genus of the Tribe Acrotiarini from Mid-Cretaceous Burmese Amber (Insecta, Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha)

Simple Summary

Many fossil planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) have been recently described from Burmese amber. Most belong to extinct families already well known or newly described, but few are related to existing families and for which these fossils will prove to be very useful for future molecular calibration analyzes. Here, we describe a new fossil genus of the extant Cixiidae family that we place into the recently described fossil tribe Acrotiarini. A new key to genera identification of Acrotiarini is proposed. Allowing the description for the first time of the male genitalia of Acrotiarini, this new fossil genus broadens the knowledge of the fossil tribe, and it underlines the already great diversity of the Cixiidae in the Cretaceous.

Abstract

A new Burmese amber genus Maculixiusgen. nov. with its type species Maculixius jiewenaesp. nov. is described in the planthopper family Cixiidae. This new genus is unique in Burmese Cixiidae by its forewing venation, with Pcu and A1 merging in the middle of clavus, the late bifurcation of ScP+R slightly after this level, and the early CuA forking well before this level. Although the head capsule is missing, it belongs to the recently described tribe Acrotiarini, based on the pentacarinated mesonotum and the distinctly arched RA on forewing with cell C1 wider submedially than apically. Morphological characteristics of Acrotiarini are discussed, and a key to identification of Acrotiarini genera is provided. The new taxon broadens the knowledge of the tribe, and it underlines the already great diversity of the family in the Cretaceous.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the planthopper Orthopagus splendens (Germar, 1830) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Dictyopharidae)

The first complete mitochondrial genome of a dictyopharid planthopper, Orthopagus splendens (Germar, 1830) (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Dictyopharidae) is sequenced. The 15,349 bp long complete mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and 1 A + T-rich region with an arrangement identical to that observed in most insect mitogenomes (GenBankNo. MW441850). All PCGs start with ATN, and end with TAN or single T (nad1, nad5, and atp6). A phylogenetic analysis places O. splendens as sister to Fulgoridae confirming a sister relationship between Dictyopharidae and Fulgoridae.

Two new species of the genus Saigona Matsumura (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Dictyopharidae) from China

Two new species of the genus Saigona Matsumura, 1910, S.baiseensis Zheng & Chen sp. nov. and S.maculata Zheng & Chen sp. nov., from China (Guanxi) are described and illustrated. A revised identification key to the 16 species of Saigona is provided. 15 species of the genus are known from China only.

Four new species of the planthopper genus Metanigrus Tsaur, Yang & Wilson from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Meenoplidae)

Four new species of the genus Metanigrus Tsaur, Yang & Wilson, 1986, M.chromus Lv & Chen, sp. nov., M.guttatus Lv & Chen, sp. nov., M.gremius Lv & Chen, sp. nov., and M.spinatus Lv, Chen & Bourgoin, sp. nov. from China (Hubei, Guizhou and Yunnan), are described and illustrated, giving the genus six species in total. A key to all known species of Metanigrus is provided, as well as a map of their geographic distributions.

Parahiraciini (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Issidae): one new genus, two new species and three new subtribes

A new genus Pusulissusgen. nov. with two new species P.phiaoacensissp. nov. and P.coronomensissp. nov. are described respectively from Vietnam and China in the tribe Parahiraciini of the family Issidae. A molecular phylogeny using combined genes (18S, 28S, COX1 and Cytb) confirms its placement in the tribe Parahiraciini. The tribe is divided into three subtribes: Scantiniinasubtribe nov. with the type genus Scantinius Stål, 1866, and Vindilisinasubtribe nov. with type genus Vindilis Stål, 1870 plus Nisoprincessa Gnezdilov, 2017, and the nominal subtribe Parahiraciina Cheng & Yang, 1991 subtribe nov. The characteristics of these subtribes are provided, with a key to identification. Genus Folifemurum Che, Zhang & Wang, 2013 is transferred to HemisphaeriiniMongolianina, and genus Gelastyrella Yang, 1994 is maintained as a valid name.

Notes on genera of Sarimini with description of two new species in the genera Microsarimodes and Tetrichina (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae)

Two new species of the tribe Sarimini in the planthopper family Issidae: Microsarimodes flavomaculata sp. nov. and Tetrichina fuscovinclum sp. nov. are described from China. The genera Duplexissus Wang, Zhang Bourgoin, 2019 and Sarimissus Wang, Zhang Bourgoin, 2019 are reestablished as valid genera based on both morphological grounds and molecular analyses.

A new genus of the tribe Sarimini (Fulgoromorpha, Issidae) from the Guangxi Province of China

A new genus with a new species Eusarimissus hezhouensis gen. nov. et sp. nov. from Guangxi Province of China are described in the tribe Sarimini of the family Issidae. Molecular sequences of 18S, 28S and COXI genes are provided for the new taxon. Phylogenetic analysis places this taxon sister to a previously sequenced but not yet described Sarimini genus 'Eusarima sp. 4'. Taxonomic notes are provided for the genus Eusarima Yang, 1994. The species Eusarima (Nepalius) iranica Gnezdilov & Mozaffarian, 2011 is transferred to the genus Sarima Melichar 1903.

On the tribe Sarimini with two new genera from south of China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Issidae)

Two new genera of the tribe Sarimini are described from south of China. They are Sarimissus gen. nov. with a new species S. maculifrons sp. nov. from Hainan province and Duplexissus gen. nov. with a new species D. punctatulus sp. nov. from Yunnan province. The photos of habitus and the male genitalia of the new species are provided. The biology, distribution and origin of the tribe Sarimini are discussed.

The impact of a new genus on the molecular phylogeny of Hemisphaeriini (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Issidae)

A new genus, Retaldargen. nov. of the family Issidae (Hemisphaeriinae, Hemisphaeriini) is described from Guangxi Province of China. A revised molecular analysis for the Hemisphaeriini based on partial sequences of 18S, 28S, COXI and Cytb, provides evidence for a new lineage within the subtribe Mongolianina. With two subgroups of genera now identified, the monophyly of Mongolianina is discussed from both a morphological and a molecular basis.

Morphological and molecular data reveal a new genus of the tribe Issini from Southern China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Issidae)

A new genus Sinonissusgen. n. of the tribe Issini (Issidae, Issinae) with a new species Sinonissusbrunetussp. n. from Chongqing municipality and Sichuan Province, China are described. Barcode of the species is provided. A molecular analysis combined with morphological characters confirms its placement into the Issini. Distribution of this new genus in the Oriental realm is briefly discussed in regard of other Issinae taxa in China.

Relating antennal sensilla diversity and possible species behaviour in the planthopper pest Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae)

Antennal sensory units in nymphs and adults of the spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae), an economically important plant pest, are studied with scanning electron microscopy. Sensilla trichodea / chaetica type recognition is based on their external morphology and ratio of their size to diameter. The flagellum Bourgoin’s organ is a complex sensory unit with 2–3 internal sensilla coeloconica. During nymphal stages, the sensory surface available for a chemoreceptive function particularly increases with the number and size of sensilla placodea on the antennal pedicel. From first to fourth instar and to adult males and females, plate organ sensory surface is estimated to increase respectively by 33x, 68x and 125x (= 2.72 mm² and 5.02 mm² respectively for males and females). The most important increase (5x) occurs between second and third instar. In parallel, a distinctive pair of plate organs on the flagellum decreases in size from first to third instar, and disappears. Sexual dimorphism occurs in sensilla placodea in adults. Diversity, disparity and evolution of nymphal sensilla, and their sexual dimorphism in adults are discussed in the context of the species and planthopper behaviour.

Nomenclatural changes in the higher classification of the family Tettigometridae (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) with description of a new tribe and new species and a review of the Iranian tettigometrid fauna

The first part of this paper provides a historical review of the classification of the family Tettigometridae, including the description of a new tribe, Plesiometrini trib. nov. to accommodate three Afrotropical genera of the subfamily Tettigometrinae. The name Nototettigometra Muir 1924, is proposed to replace Hilda Kirkaldy 1900, homonym of Hilda Hörnes Auinger 1884, and corresponding new combinations are given, including Nototettigometrinae nom. subst. to replace Hildinae Fennah 1952. An identification key to suprageneric taxa of Tettigometridae including both male and female characters is provided. In the second part, 18 tettigometrid species are recorded from Iran. A new species, Tettigometra (Tettigometra) parihana sp. nov. is described. Tettigometra (Metroplaca) longicornis and Tettigometra (Tettigometra) impressifrons are reported as new records for the Iranian fauna. An identification key and distribution maps are provided for the Iran fauna.

The mythic species <i>Issus analis</i> Brullé, 1833 (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea, Issidae): still an enigmatic taxon

One Issidae specimen stored in Paris museum historical collections is reported as holotype of Issus analis Brullé, 1833. From the original description, which is confirmed by study of this specimen, the species is moved to the genus Zopherisca Emeljanov, 2001 under a new combination Zopherisca analis (Brullé, 1833), comb. n. Date of description is discussed and modified from 1832 to 1833 accordingly. Unfortunately being a female as type specimen, the species remains quite enigmatic until some molecular analsysis could be undertaken on this old material.

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.

New fossil insect order Permopsocida elucidates major radiation and evolution of suction feeding in hemimetabolous insects (Hexapoda: Acercaria)

With nearly 100,000 species, the Acercaria (lice, plant lices, thrips, bugs) including number of economically important species is one of the most successful insect lineages. However, its phylogeny and evolution of mouthparts among other issues remain debatable. Here new methods of preparation permitted the comprehensive anatomical description of insect inclusions from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber in astonishing detail. These "missing links" fossils, attributed to a new order Permopsocida, provide crucial evidence for reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships in the Acercaria, supporting its monophyly, and questioning the position of Psocodea as sister group of holometabolans in the most recent phylogenomic study. Permopsocida resolves as sister group of Thripida + Hemiptera and represents an evolutionary link documenting the transition from chewing to piercing mouthparts in relation to suction feeding. Identification of gut contents as angiosperm pollen documents an ecological role of Permopsocida as early pollen feeders with relatively unspecialized mouthparts. This group existed for 185 million years, but has never been diverse and was superseded by new pollenivorous pollinators during the Cretaceous co-evolution of insects and flowers. The key innovation of suction feeding with piercing mouthparts is identified as main event that triggered the huge post-Carboniferous radiation of hemipterans, and facilitated the spreading of pathogenic vectors.

PESI - a taxonomic backbone for Europe

Background

Reliable taxonomy underpins communication in all of biology, not least nature conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem resources. The flexibility of taxonomic interpretations, however, presents a serious challenge for end-users of taxonomic concepts. Users need standardised and continuously harmonised taxonomic reference systems, as well as high-quality and complete taxonomic data sets, but these are generally lacking for non-specialists. The solution is in dynamic, expertly curated web-based taxonomic tools.

The Pan-European Species-directories Infrastructure (PESI) worked to solve this key issue by providing a taxonomic e-infrastructure for Europe. It strengthened the relevant social (expertise) and information (standards, data and technical) capacities of five major community networks on taxonomic indexing in Europe, which is essential for proper biodiversity assessment and monitoring activities. The key objectives of PESI were: 1) standardisation in taxonomic reference systems, 2) enhancement of the quality and completeness of taxonomic data sets and 3) creation of integrated access to taxonomic information.

New information

This paper describes the results of PESI and its future prospects, including the involvement in major European biodiversity informatics initiatives and programs.

A new Asian genus of the tribe Elicini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae) with two new species from Vietnam

A new genus Connelicita gen. nov. with 2 new species (C. backyensis sp. nov. and C. haiphongensis sp. nov.) of Tropiduchidae Elicini from Vietnam are described and illustrated. The Chinese species C. lungchowensis (Chou et Lu, 1977) comb. nov. is transferred into this new genus from the genus Sassula (Nogodinidae). A key to species of the new genus distributed in North Vietnam and China (Guangxi) is provided.

A new genus of the tribe Parahiraciini (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Issidae) from Southern China

A new genus Tetricodissus gen. nov. with one new species Tetricodissus pandlineus sp. nov. from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated in the tribe Parahiraciini of planthopper family Issidae. Fortunia jianfenglingensis Chen, Zhang & Chang, 2014 is transferred into the genus Bardunia Stål, 1863. A key to genera of the tribe Parahiraciini is provided and the taxonomic position of the new genus in Parahiraciini is discussed.

A higher level classification of all living organisms

We present a consensus classification of life to embrace the more than 1.6 million species already provided by more than 3,000 taxonomists' expert opinions in a unified and coherent, hierarchically ranked system known as the Catalogue of Life (CoL). The intent of this collaborative effort is to provide a hierarchical classification serving not only the needs of the CoL's database providers but also the diverse public-domain user community, most of whom are familiar with the Linnaean conceptual system of ordering taxon relationships. This classification is neither phylogenetic nor evolutionary but instead represents a consensus view that accommodates taxonomic choices and practical compromises among diverse expert opinions, public usages, and conflicting evidence about the boundaries between taxa and the ranks of major taxa, including kingdoms. Certain key issues, some not fully resolved, are addressed in particular. Beyond its immediate use as a management tool for the CoL and ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System), it is immediately valuable as a reference for taxonomic and biodiversity research, as a tool for societal communication, and as a classificatory "backbone" for biodiversity databases, museum collections, libraries, and textbooks. Such a modern comprehensive hierarchy has not previously existed at this level of specificity.

New Guinean Issidae: description of new taxa in a poorly known island fauna (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea)

In the framework of the recent expedition results of "Our Planet Reviewed Papua-New-Guinea 2012-2013" we provide here the first Issidae (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea) fauna review of New Guinea with the description of three new taxa: one new genus Papunega Gnezdilov et Bourgoin gen. nov. with two new species: Papunega magnifacies Gnezdilov et Le Cesne, sp. nov. (type species), Papunega armocula Gnezdilov et Soulier-Perkins, sp. nov. Tetrica fasciatifrons Melichar, 1906 is transferred to the genus Papugena gen. nov. to become Papugena fasciatifrons (Melichar, 1906) comb. nov. New Guinean Issidae fauna now includes 7 genera and 16 species. 

A new genus of the tribe Caliscelini (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea, Caliscelidae) from Vietnam

A new genus Annamatissus Gnezdilov et Bourgoin gen. nov., including the new species, Annamatissus tami Gnezdilov et Soulier-Perkins sp. nov. is described in the family Caliscelidae from the Bi-Doup massif in Lam Dong Province of Vietnam. The new taxon represents only the second genus of the tribe Caliscelini known from Vietnam. An identification key to separate Gelastissus Kirkaldy from Annamatissus gen. nov. is provided together with a check list of the Caliscelidae of Vietnam and their distribution. New distribution data in Vietnam are given for Cicimora sicildia Emeljanov, 1998 and Gelastissus hokutonis (Matsumura, 1916).

From micropterism to hyperpterism: recognition strategy and standardized homology-driven terminology of the forewing venation patterns in planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)

Following recent advances in the morphological interpretations of the tegmen basal cell margins in the Paraneoptera, a standardized and homology-driven groundplan terminology for tegmina types, structures and vein patterns in Hemiptera Fulgoromorpha, including fossils, is proposed. Each term is listed with a morphological definition, compared and linked to the main systems of planthopper forewing description that have been reviewed. The importance of a standardized and homology-driven terminology is stressed to enhance the quality of data in taxonomic descriptions and to strengthen phylogenetic morphological analysis results. When the interpretation of the origin of vein branches is render difficult, a three-step strategy for pattern recognition of the vein is proposed based on two principles: (1) vein forks are more informative than topology of the vein branches: a search for homologous areas, the nodal cells in particular, must first guide the recognition rather the number of branches of a vein, and (2) minimum of ad hoc evolutionary events should be invoked in the understanding of a modified vein pattern. Examples of some conflicting interpretations of venation patterns in planthoppers are discussed within different families for both extant and extinct taxa. For the first time, the concept of brachypterism is defined in a non-relative way independently from other structures, and the new one of hyperpterism is proposed; a reporting system is proposed for each of them.

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.

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.

Nomenclatural benchmarking: the roles of digital typification and telemicroscopy

Nomenclatural benchmarking is the periodic realignment of species names with species theories and is necessary for the accurate and uniform use of Linnaean binominals in the face of changing species limits. Gaining access to types, often for little more than a cursory examination by an expert, is a major bottleneck in the advance and availability of biodiversity informatics. For the nearly two million described species it has been estimated that five to six million name-bearing type specimens exist, including those for synonymized binominals. Recognizing that examination of types in person will remain necessary in special cases, we propose a four-part strategy for opening access to types that relies heavily on digitization and that would eliminate much of the bottleneck: (1) modify codes of nomenclature to create registries of nomenclatural acts, such as the proposed ZooBank, that include a requirement for digital representations (e-types) for all newly described species to avoid adding to backlog; (2) an "r" strategy that would engineer and deploy a network of automated instruments capable of rapidly creating 3-D images of type specimens not requiring participation of taxon experts; (3) a "K" strategy using remotely operable microscopes to engage taxon experts in targeting and annotating informative characters of types to supplement and extend information content of rapidly acquired e-types, a process that can be done on an as-needed basis as in the normal course of revisionary taxonomy; and (4) creation of a global e-type archive associated with the commissions on nomenclature and species registries providing one-stop-shopping for e-types. We describe a first generation implementation of the "K" strategy that adapts current technology to create a network of Remotely Operable Benchmarkers Of Types (ROBOT) specifically engineered to handle the largest backlog of types, pinned insect specimens. The three initial instruments will be in the Smithsonian Institution(Washington, DC), Natural History Museum (London), and Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Paris), networking the three largest insect collections in the world with entomologists worldwide. These three instruments make possible remote examination, manipulation, and photography of types for more than 600,000 species. This is a cybertaxonomy demonstration project that we anticipate will lead to similar instruments for a wide range of museum specimens and objects as well as revolutionary changes in collaborative taxonomy and formal and public taxonomic education.

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).

Molecular phylogenetics of cixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha): new insights from combined analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes

The planthopper family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) comprises approximately 160 genera and 2000 species divided in three subfamilies: Borystheninae, Bothriocerinae and Cixiinae, the later with 16 tribes. The current paper represents the first attempt to estimate phylogenetic relationships within Cixiidae based on molecular data. We use a total of 3652bp sequence alignment of four genes: the mitochondrial coding genes Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) and Cytochrome b (Cytb), a portion of the nuclear 18S rDNA and two non-contiguous portions of the nuclear 28S rDNA. The phylogenetic relationships of 72 terminal specimens were reconstructed using both maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. Through the analysis of this empirical dataset, we also provide comparisons among different a priori partitioning strategies and the use of mixture models in a Bayesian framework. Our comparisons suggest that mixture models overcome the benefits obtained by partitioning the data according to codon position and gene identity, as they provide better accuracy in phylogenetic reconstructions. The recovered maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference phylogenies suggest that the family Cixiidae is paraphyletic in respect with Delphacidae. The paraphyly of the subfamily Cixiinae is also recovered by both approaches. In contrast to a morphological phylogeny recently proposed for cixiids, subfamilies Borystheninae and Bothriocerinae form a monophyletic group.

Comparative morphological assessment of the psyllid pleuron (Insecta, Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha)

A unique set of morphological characters based on the hemipteran (sensu lato) thorax are used to define the pleuron of Psylloidea. New external and internal topographical descriptions of pleurites of all three thoracic segments are provided based on observations of specimens from various genera representing the current taxonomic arrangement of Psylloidea. Variations in propleurite morphology and the anteroventral angle of the episternum among taxa are clarified. The mesothoracic pleural sulcus is found to be a distinct groove formed by the deep fossa of the pleural apophysis and is not a secondary structure, as assigned by previous authors. A newly discovered internal apodeme of the metathoracic trochantin and a serially homologous structure in the mesothorax isolate the trochantinal territory of the second segment. The metathoracic pleural sulcus appears to be pressed against the ventral edge of the metepimeron, as previously described for the mesothorax of certain species of other insects having a strongly developed meron. Use of morphological interpretations and newly discovered apodemes to assess primary homology of structures for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies is discussed. A glossary of standardized morphological terms for thoracic structures of non-heteropteran Hemiptera based on this study and other recent and former dissertations on the insect thorax is provided.

18S rRNA secondary structure and phylogenetic position of Peloridiidae (Insecta, hemiptera)

A secondary structure model for 18S rRNA of peloridiids, relict insects with a present-day circumantarctic distribution, is constructed using comparative sequence analysis, thermodynamic folding, a consensus method using 18S rRNA models of other taxa, and support of helices based on compensatory substitutions. Results show that probable in vivo configuration of 18S rRNA is not predictable using current free-energy models to fold the entire molecule concurrently. This suggests that refinements in free-energy minimization algorithms are needed. Molecular phylogenetic datasets were created using 18S rRNA nucleotide alignments produced by CLUSTAL and rigorous interpretation of homologous position based on certain secondary substructures. Phylogenetic analysis of a hemipteran data matrix of 18S rDNA sequences placed peloridiids sister to Heteroptera. Resolution of affiliations between the three main euhemipteran lineages was unresolved. The peloridiid 18S RNA model presented here provides the most accurate template to date for aligning homologous nucleotides of hemipteran taxa. Using folded 18S rRNA to infer homology of character as morpho-molecular structures or nucleotides and scoring particular sites or substructures is discussed.

A new case of trophobiosis between ants and Heteroptera

Despite the large specific diversity of equatorial rainforests, Caternaultiella rugosa (Heteroptera; Plataspidae) was only noted on two euphorbiaceous trees (Bridelia micrantha and B. grandis) and was attended by two ant species, Camponotus brutus (Formicinae) and Myrmicaria opaciventris (Myrmicinae). We recorded semiochemical (attending workers palpated the dorsal abdominal glands of the nymphs) and semantic signals (nymphs ready to excrete honeydew raised their bodies; they alternated the extrusion and withdrawal of the first honeydew droplet when the workers did not immediately absorb the honeydew). Cat. rugosa was recorded in carton pavilions built by the ants at the base of the tree trunks. During proliferations of the population, clusters of nymphs and adults developed outside pavilions. In the latter case, M. opaciventris workers did not modify their rhythm of activity in order to attend these clusters, while Camp. brutus workers, normally nocturnal, attended them day and night.

Plant-parasitic nematodes in maine agricultural soils

In a survey of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with agricultural crops in nine Maine counties, 744 soil samples from 26 potential host plants were analyzed between November 1987 and January 1989. The most commonly encountered nematode genus was Pratylenchus, occurring in 85% of the samples from most crops, except blueberries and onions. Pratylenchus penetrans and P. crenatus were found commonly as species mixtures, with P. penetrans composing 40-80% of the mixture. Meloidogyne hapla was encountered in 16% of the samples in four counties, generally in potato rotations. Other nematodes encountered were Aphelenchoides spp., Criconemella curvature, Ditylenchus spp., Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus, H. digonicus, Heterodera trifolii, Paratylenchus projectus, Trichodorus spp., Tylenchorhynchus maximus, and Xiphinema americanum. Potato fields were the most heavily sampled and thus weighted the statewide results.