Exploring Phylogenetic Relationships of the Mecocephala Group (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Using Continuous and Discrete Characters, with Notes on Taxonomy.

The Mecocephala group comprises about 50 species, restricted to the Neotropics and with the highest species richness in Neotropical South America. Several species use rice as host plants and their identification is facilitated by the presence of exaggerated head proportions and a unique male genitalic morphology. The taxonomy of the group has been extensively explored, but inferring its monophyly and especially its internal phylogenetic relationships has been challenging. Here, we inferred the phylogenetic relationships for the group assembling the most complete taxonomic sampling to date, analyzing discrete and continuous morphological characters through equal and implied weighted parsimony analyses. The monophyly of the group was recovered, but internal relationships varied slightly according to the dataset tested. Thus, we propose internal arrangements for the group and provide a formal description of the Mecocephala group, diagnoses for each genus, a dichotomous key to identify its genera, and illustrations of the morphological characters and type species.

Chemical and palaeoentomological evidence of a relationship between early Eocene Belgian and Oise (France) ambers.

Of the early Eocene amber deposits known across the world, Belgian amber has been mostly absent from the relevant literature. We reinvestigated amber held in the palaeobotanical collection of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, which derived from three localities in Belgium that originated from two geographical areas (Leval-Trahegnies and Orp-le-Grand). Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy we show the close chemical relationship of Belgian amber to the early Eocene Oise amber from the Paris Basin, and highlight the potential effect of weathering on the amber chemistry. The amber derives from a very similar botanical source as the Oise amber (Combretaceae or Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae), but from different coeval basins. The two Leval-Trahegnies localities provided amber that exhibit different stages of weathering (heavily fissured and crazed, darkened) and lacking any inclusions. The Orp-le-Grand locality provided the least weathered amber, with one amber piece containing two inclusions: a mite and a new genus and species of hemipteran (Cativolcus uebruum gen. et sp. nov.), and a second one that preserved the impression of insect wings pressed into the surface.

Towards silent and efficient flight by combining bioinspired owl feather serrations with cicada wing geometry.

As natural predators, owls fly with astonishing stealth due to the serrated feather morphology that produces advantageous flow characteristics. Traditionally, these serrations are tailored for airfoil edges with simple two-dimensional patterns, limiting their effect on noise reduction while negotiating tradeoffs in aerodynamic performance. Conversely, the intricately structured wings of cicadas have evolved for effective flapping, presenting a potential blueprint for alleviating these aerodynamic limitations. In this study, we formulate a synergistic design strategy that harmonizes noise suppression with aerodynamic efficiency by integrating the geometrical attributes of owl feathers and cicada forewings, culminating in a three-dimensional sinusoidal serration propeller topology that facilitates both silent and efficient flight. Experimental results show that our design yields a reduction in overall sound pressure levels by up to 5.5 dB and an increase in propulsive efficiency by over 20% compared to the current industry benchmark. Computational fluid dynamics simulations validate the efficacy of the bioinspired design in augmenting surface vorticity and suppressing noise generation across various flow regimes. This topology can advance the multifunctionality of aerodynamic surfaces for the development of quieter and more energy-saving aerial vehicles.

Phylogenomics of endemic Australian Ulopinae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cicadellidae).

Ulopinae is a distinctive subfamily of leafhoppers that is widely distributed across the Afrotropical, Palearctic, Indomalayan and Australasian regions. The ulopine fauna of Australia is entirely endemic and includes two tribes of striking appearance, the Ulopini and Cephalelini. Knowledge of these groups is fragmentary and in many instances, no information is available beyond original descriptions. We assess the monophyly, phylogenetic placement and species-level diversity of the Ulopini genus Austrolopa . Phylogenetic analyses based on sequence data from target nuclear loci (18S , 28S , H2A and H3 ) and mitochondrial genomes (15 genes) for 23 membracoid taxa yielded congruent topologies. Our results provide strong evidence for the monophyly of Ulopinae and a clade consisting of Ulopini + Cephalelini. However, a non-monophyletic Cephalelini arises from within a polyphyletic Ulopini. Austrolopa was strongly recovered as monophyletic in all analyses, a result also supported by morphological features. The genus currently includes six species, three of which are described based on morphological and molecular data: Austrolopa botanica , sp. nov. , Austrolopa rotunda , sp. nov. and Austrolopa sublima , sp. nov. A lectotype designation is provided for Austrolopa kingensis Evans, 1937, sp. reval. Our findings illustrate that the Australian Ulopinae is far more diverse than currently circumscribed and several species of Austrolopa are yet to be recognised. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1480285B-8F61-4659-A929-2B1EF3168868.

Two new species of Aulacaspis Cockerell, 1893 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) from China, with an identification key to Chinese species.

Two new armoured scale insect species (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) are described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, China. Aulacaspis pericampylus sp. n. was collected from Pericampylus glaucus (Menispermaceae) and Aulacaspis multispinata sp. n. was collected from Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae). The type specimens of both new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC). A key to the Aulacaspis species known from China, based on the morphology of the adult females, is provided.

Moss bugs shed light on the evolution of complex bioacoustic systems.

Vibroacoustic signalling is one of the dominant strategies of animal communication, especially in small invertebrates. Among insects, the order Hemiptera displays a staggering diversity of vibroacoustic organs and is renowned for possessing biomechanically complex elastic recoil devices such as tymbals and snapping organs that enable robust vibrational communication. However, our understanding of the evolution of hemipteran elastic recoil devices is hindered by the absence of relevant data in the phylogenetically important group known as moss bugs (Coleorrhyncha), which produce substrate-borne vibrations through an unknown mechanism. In the present work, we reveal the functional morphology of the moss bug vibrational mechanism and study its presence across Coleorrhyncha and in extinct fossilised relatives. We incorporate the anatomical features of the moss bug vibrational mechanism in a phylogeny of Hemiptera, which supports either a sister-group relationship to Heteroptera, or a sister-group relationship with the Auchenorrhyncha. Regardless of topology, we propose that simple abdominal vibration was present at the root of Euhemiptera, and arose 350 million years ago, suggesting that this mode of signalling is among the most ancient in the animal kingdom. Therefore, the most parsimonious explanation for the origins of complex elastic recoil devices is that they represent secondary developments that arose exclusively in the Auchenorrhyncha.

A new species of Discochiton Hodgson & Williams (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) on bamboo from Myanmar.

The adult female and first-instar nymph of a new species of Discochiton Hodgson & Williams, 2018, Discochiton bambusae Choi & Lee sp. n. are described and illustrated. They were collected on the culms of Bambusa tulda (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) in Myanmar. The adult female has several unique morphological features, such as a large body, up to 15 mm long; legs much reduced; and sclerotized plates forming submedial bands or patches on the venter. Furthermore, the adult female has more marginal radial lines and stigmatic spines than are found in other Discochiton species. The first-instar nymph is also much larger than those of other Discochiton species, and is also distinct in having tibial setae, and a greater number of spiracular disc-pores and marginal setae compared to those of other species of Discochiton.

The first description of an apterous aphid morph of the family Canadaphididae (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Aphidomorpha).

The first apterous morph of the Canadaphididae family is described based on Canadian amber inclusions. On the basis of morphological features, it was assigned to the species Canadaphis carpenteri. For the first time, a fluorescence microscope was used to examine a representative of the Canadaphididae family, revealing previously unknown details.

Morphology of the preadult stages of Coronaproctus castanopsis Li, Xu & Wu (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae).

All the preadult stages of Coronaproctus castanopsis Li, Xu & Wu, 2023 are described and illustrated (first- and second-instar nymphs, third-instar male and female nymphs, and the male pupa), based on material from Zhejiang Province, China. A key to separate the developmental stages is provided.

Estadios ninfales de Amnestus rugosus (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) / Immature stages of Amnestus rugosus (Hemiptera: Cydnidae)

ResumenEn México se han registrado 29 especies del género Amnestus, de las cuales, seis se encuentran en el estado de Veracruz. Se describen e ilustran las características morfológicas de los estadios inmaduros de A. rugosus, incluyendo notas sobre su biología y comportamiento. Las ninfas y adultos fueron recolectados en los remanentes de la vegetación riparia del bosque mesófilo en la cuenca del río La Antigua, Veracruz. El muestreo se realizó en la zona montañosa del centro del estado y en la parte media de la cuenca. Se seleccionaron 12 sitios ubicados en cinco municipios, y se realizaron muestreos en época de lluvias (julio) y en secas (abril); las muestras fueron procesadas en embudos de Berlese-Tullgren y Winkler. Se recolectaron y revisaron 419 ejemplares, 320 adultos y 99 ninfas de A. rugosus. El tamaño y coloración del cuerpo y los patrones de puntuación son las principales diferencias entre los estados inmaduros de A. rugosus, A. ficus y A. morelensis.A. rugosus representa un nuevo registro para Veracruz.

Abstract:In Mexico there are 29 species of Amnestus, of which six species are from Veracruz. The morphological features and illustrations of immature stages of A. rugosus are presented. Notes about the biology and behavior were included. The nymphal and adult stages of A. rugosus were found in remnants of riparian vegetation of the mesophilous forest in La Antigua river basin, Veracruz, Mexico. Twelve sites in five localities were selected and the specimens were sampled in rainy (July) and dry (April) seasons of 2012. The samples were processed in Berlese-Tullgren funnel and Winkler. A total of 419 individuals, 320 adults and 99 nymphs of A. rugosus were revised. The size and coloration of the body and punctuation patterns the immature stages of A. rugosus, A. ficus, and A. morelensis are the main differences among these species. A. rugosus is a first record from Veracruz. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 31-39. Epub 2017 March 01.

New leafhopper species of Jikradia from Mesoamerica with new records, revised key to species, distribution, origin, and checklist (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae: Teruliini)

The following four new species of leafhoppers are described and illustrated: Jikradia dentata n. sp. and J. trispinata n. sp. from Guatemala, J. variabilis n. sp. from Belize, and J. exilis n. sp. from Costa Rica. Jikradia basipendula Nielson and J. krameri Nielson are new records for Guatemala. Belize is a new record for the genus. A record of the first introduction of the genus in the Old World is reviewed. A revised key to the known species is provided with a review of its possible origin. A checklist of all known species is also given. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1375-1383. Epub 2014 December 01.

Las siguientes cuatro nuevas especies de chicharritas son descritas e ilustradas: Jikradia dentata n. sp. y J. trispinata n. sp. de Guatemala, J. variabilis n. sp. de Belice, y J. exilis n. sp. de Costa Rica. Jikradia basipendula Nielson y J. krameri Nielson son nuevas especies reportadas para Guatemala. El género Jikradia es un nuevo registro para Belice. Un registro de la primera introducción del género en el Viejo Continente es revisado. Se presenta una clave revisada de las nuevas especies con una revisión de su posible origen. También se presenta una lista revisada de todas las especies conocidas.

Primeiro registro das espécies de cigarrinhas-da-raiz da cana-de-açúcar Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) e Mahanarva liturata (Le Peletier & Serville) atacando canaviais na região de Goianésia (GO), Brasil / First record of the sugarcane froghoppers Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) and Mahanarva liturata (Le Peletier & Serville) infesting sugarcane plantations in the region of Goianésia (GO), Brazil

As formas jovens da cigarrinha-da-raiz da cana-de-açúcar sugam as raízes, e os adultos sugam as folhas e injetam toxinas, causando necrose nos tecidos foliares. A espécie de cigarrinha mais citada em trabalhos científicos é a Mahanarva fimbriolata. Adultos de cigarrinha foram coletados em canaviais da Usina Jalles Machado, em Goianésia (GO). Estes foram montados, identificados e depositados na coleção da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). A identificação foi feita pela genitália. Constatou-se tratar de Mahanarva spectabilis e Mahanarva liturata, consistindo-se no primeiro registro das espécies de cigarrinhas-da-raiz atacando os canaviais em Goianésia; no local, pensava-se que existia somente a espécie M. fimbriolata.(AU)

The young forms of the sugarcane froghopper suck the roots, and the adults suck the sap from leaves and inject toxins, thus causing necrosis in leaf tissues. The most cited species of sugarcane froghopper in scientific papers is Mahanarva fimbriolata. Adults of the froghopper were collected in sugarcane plant Jalles Machado, in Goianésia (GO). These have been put together, identified and deposited in the collection of Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Identification was conducted by the genitalia. We found there were Mahanarva spectabilis and Mahanarva liturata, consisting of the first record of this species of froghopper attacking sugarcane fields in Goianésia; in this place, only the species M. fimbriolata was considered to exist.(AU)

Ocorrência de cochonilhas em espinheira-santa (Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek) / Occurrence of mealybugs in "espinheira-santa" (Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek)

Maytenus ilicifolia é uma espécie medicinal nativa do Brasil que vem sendo cultivada para atender a crescente demanda do mercado. Os fatores que interferem na produção, tal como a incidência de pragas e doenças, devem ser estudados para garantir o incremento na produtividade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar a ocorrência e a identificação de cochonilhas associadas a 15 acessos de espinheira-santa (Maytenus ilicifolia) do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma da Embrapa Clima Temperado e do Instituto Federal Sul-rio-grandense. Foi registrada a quantidade de plantas infestadas em cada acesso e identificado, em laboratório, as espécies de cochonilhas infestantes. O número de plantas infestadas variou entre os acessos. Foram identificadas as cochonilhas Ceroplastes sp. e Saissetia oleae, família Coccidae. Dos 10 acessos infestados, 23 (11,3%) plantas apresentaram infestação com Ceroplastes sp. e, apenas uma (0,5%), com Saissetia oleae. O acesso 133 mostrou a maior incidência de Ceroplastes sp. (33,3%), seguido do acesso 130 (25,0%). O acesso 123 foi o que apresentou menor quantidade de plantas infestadas (4,8%). Saissetia oleae ocorreu em apenas uma planta, pertencente ao acesso 136 (5,6%).

Maytenus ilicifolia is a medicinal species native to Brazil which has been cultivated to meet the growing market demand. Factors that interfere with the production, such as the incidence of pests and diseases, should be studied to ensure increased productivity. The aim of this study was to record the occurrence and the identification of mealybugs associated with 15 "espinheira-santa" (Maytenus ilicifolia) accessions from the Active Germplasm Bank of "Embrapa Clima Temperado" and "Instituto Federal Sul-rio-grandense". The quantity of infested plants in each accession was recorded and the species of infested mealybugs were identified in the laboratory. The number of infested plants varied among accessions. The identified mealybugs were Ceroplastes sp. and Saissetia oleae, family Coccidae. Of 10 infested accessions, 23 plants (11.3%) showed infestation with Ceroplastes sp., and only one (0.5%) with Saissetia oleae. Accession 133 showed the highest incidence of Ceroplastes sp. (33.3%), followed by accession 130 (25.0%). Accession 123 had the least amount of infested plants (4.8%). Saissetia oleae occurred in only one plant, belonging to accession 136 (5.6%).

Description and key to the fifth-instars of some Cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) associated with coffee plants in Brazil

Fifth-instars of the cicada species Dorisiana drewseni (Stål), Dorisiana viridis (Olivier), Fidicina mannifera (Fabricius), Fidicinoides pronoe (Walker) and Carineta fasciculata (Germar) are described and illustrated. Moreover, a key to the nymphs of these species along with Quesada gigas (Olivier) is also provided.

Taxonomic review of the genus Tachardiella Cockerell (Hemiptera: Kerriidae), with a key to species of lac insects recorded from the new world

The lac insect genus Tachardiella Cockerell is reviewed and 17 species are recognized, including one new species. The adult female of Tachardiella palobrea Kondo & Gullan sp. n. is described and illustrated based on material collected in Argentina on 'brea', Parkinsonia praecox (Fabaceae). The adult female of Tachardiella argentina (Dominguez) is redescribed and a lectotype is designated based on newly discovered syntype material in the Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California, Davis (BME). Diagnoses and notes are provided for the other species of Tachardiella studied and a lectotype is designated for Tachardiella ferrisi Chamberlin. A taxonomic key to separate all known species of lac insects in the New World is provided.

Influence of trichomes on attractiveness and ovipositional preference of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) B biotype (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on tomato genotypes

Brazil is one of the world's largest tomato producer, but considerable part of the production is lost due to the attack of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) B biotype. Resistant germoplasm plants can be an important method for B. tabaci control in integrated pest management approaches. The attractiveness and ovipositional preference of B. tabaci for 17 tomato genotypes were evaluated in a free-choice test. Trials were set up in a randomized block design with ten replicates. Each replicate (one tomato plant per pot) was placed in a cage (80 x 50 x 50 cm) and infested with 1,000 adults during four days. Linear correlation tests were applied between the number of insects and eggs and number of trichomes in each tomato genotype. LA716, LA444-1 and PI134418 genotypes were the least attractive, while the 'Santa Clara' was the most attractive; PI134417 trapped the largest number of adults. LA716 genotype (4.1 eggs/leaflet and 2.1 cm²/eggs per leaflet) was the least preferred for whitefly oviposition; NAV1062, 'Fanny', LA1335, 'Santa Clara' and IAC294 were the most preferred genotypes. The glandular trichomes density was negatively correlated with whitefly's attractiveness and oviposition per leaflet and per leaf, and positively with the number of trapped insects. The non-glandular trichomes density was negatively correlated with the number of trapped insects and positively with whitefly's oviposition per cm²/leaflet andper cm²/leaf. LA716 had high antixenosis level (ovipositional nonpreference) toward B. tabaci B biotype related with type IV glandular trichome.

A new species of Saccharosydne Kirkaldy from Argentina (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Saccharosydne is the most diverse genus of the tribe Saccharosydnini. Male, female and nymphal Saccharosydne have been captured in recent collections from garlic (Allium sativum), rye (Secale cereale) and pampas grass (Cortaderia spp.) in Argentina. In this contribution, we describe and illustrate a new species S. subandina sp. nov., adding information on the geographical distribution and host plants. Saccharosydne subandina can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of features: uniformly light green-yellowish color with a distinctive rounded black macula on both genae; vertex 1.5x longer than wide, and projecting beyond eyes almost one half of its length; parameres divergent with internal and external angles acute; and dorsolateral angles of pygofer produced caudad. A key for species identification based on male genitalia and external morphology, is provided.

Tres nuevas especies y nuevos registros de Ladoffa de Panamá (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae) / Three new species and new records of Ladoffa from Panama (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae)

Se describen e ilustran tres nuevas especies panameñas del género Ladoffa: woldai Lozada & Freytag sp.nov., lamasi Lozada & Freytag sp.nov. y grandis Lozada & Freytag sp.nov. Asimismo, se dan a conocer nuevos registros para Panamá de las especies variolaria Young, donsana Young, rubriguttata (Walker), elauta Young, dependens Young, uncata Young y trifasciata Cavichioli & Chiamolera.

Three new Panamanian species of the genus Ladoffa: woldai Lozada & Freytag sp.nov., lamasi Lozada & Freytag sp.nov. and grandis Lozada & Freytag sp.nov., are described and illustrated herein. Likewise, new Panamanian records for the species variolaria Young, donsana Young, rubriguttata (Walker), elauta Young, dependens Young, uncata Young and trifasciata Cavichioli & Chiamolera, are reported.

Las especies de Coccus que afectan Coffea Arabica en Brasil (Coccoidea: Coccidae) y redescripcion de dos especies / Coccus species affecting Coffea arabica in Brazil (Coccoideae: Coccidae) and the redescription of two species

Five Coccus on Coffea arabica from the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais were studied. Females were prepared and mounted in Canada balsam. Coccus brasiliensis Fonseca and Coccus lizeri (Fonseca) were redescribed and Coccus alpinus De Lotto, Coccus celatus De Lotto and Coccus viridis (Green) were characterized. A key to species and illustration of all of them are included. Coccus alpinus and C. celatus are new records for Brazil and the Neotropical Region.