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.

Two new species of Eriococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in Japan.

Two new felt scale species (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Eriococcidae) collected in Japan, Acanthococcus torikurai Tanaka sp. nov. and Anophococcus koguchii Tanaka sp. nov., are described and illustrated based on the morphological characteristics of the adult females. Acanthococcus torikurai is similar to A. spiraeae Borchsenius 1949 but lacks small pores on hind legs, spinulae on the meso- and metathoracic coxae, a cauda on abdominal segment VIII and capitate ventral setae. Anophococcus koguchii is similar to An. socialis (Goux 1931) but differs in having seven-segmented antennae, two different sizes of macrotubular ducts on the venter, multilocular pores mostly with five loculi rather than seven or eight, and in lacking large pores on the metathoracic coxae and a cauda on abdominal segment VIII. A key to the 17 Eriococcidae species found in Japan is also provided.

Morphology of all the developmental stages of Neogreenia osmanthus (Yang & Hu) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha), and transfer of the genera Neogreenia MacGillivray and Jansenus Foldi to the family Qinococcidae.

All the developmental stages of Neogreenia osmanthus (Yang & Hu 1994) are described and illustrated (first- and second-instar nymphs, third-instar male and female nymphs, pupa and adult male), and the adult female is redescribed and re-illustrated. A key to all the developmental stages is provided and a brief biology of N. osmanthus is given. The relationship between the genus Neogreenia MacGillivray and Qinococcus Wu is discussed. Neogreenia (in the family Kuwaniidae) and the genus Jansenus Foldi (in the family Xylococcidae) are transferred to the family Qinococcidae, and the diagnosis of Qinococcidae is revised.

A new genus and species of giant mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae) from eastern China.

A new genus of giant mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha; Monophlebidae), Coronaproctus Li, Xu & Wu gen. nov., is established for the species Coronaproctus castanopsis Li, Xu & Wu sp. nov., collected from Zhejiang province, China on the twigs of Castanopsis eyrei (Fagaceae). The adult female and male are described and illustrated. The new genus is characterized by the adult female possessing quadrilocular disc pores, 13 cicatrices on the venter, and a U-shaped opening of the marsupium, but lacking large bilocular pores.

A new species of planthopper from Costa Rica in the genus Herpis (Hemiptera: Derbidae) from palms in the cloud forest.

Recent survey efforts in Costa Rica have documented many new species of planthoppers, primarily in the families Derbidae and Cixiidae, on palms. Recently, a specimen was collected sweeping palms in the Los Angeles cloud forest in Costa Rica and was identified as belonging to the genus Herpis (Derbidae). It was subsequently determined to represent a previously undescribed species. Herein, the new species, Herpis circumsoros Bahder & Bartlett sp. n. is described with supplemental molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and 18S rRNA gene to support placement of the new species in the genus Herpis.

Ontogenetic trajectories and early shape differentiation of treehopper pronota (Hemiptera: Membracidae).

Membracids (family: Membracidae), commonly known as treehoppers, are recognizable by their enlarged and often elaborated pronota. Much of the research investigating the development and evolution of this structure has focused on the fifth instar to adult transition, in which the pronotum undergoes the largest transformation as it takes on adult identity. However, little is known about the earlier nymphal stages, the degree to which the pronotum develops at these timepoints, and how development has changed relative to the ancestral state. Here, we studied the nymphal stages and adults of five morphologically distinct membracid species and of Aetalion reticulatum (family: Aetalionidae), the outgroup which was used as an ancestral state proxy. We found that shape differentiation in the pronotum of membracids can start as early as the second instar stage. Most shape differentiation occurs within the nymphal stages and not in the embryo since the shape of the first-instar pronotum did not differ from the outgroup species in all but one species we investigated. We found the anterior-posterior axis of the pronotum elongated at a faster relative rate in membracid species than in A. reticulatum, which contributed to the development of exaggerated pronotal size. Finally, we found differences in the morphogenesis of shape across species. We suggest this is due to the developmental and evolutionary divergence of differential growth patterning of the dorsal surface of the pronotum, not only across species, but also between stages within the same species. This lability may contribute to the evolvability and diversification of the membracid pronotum.

Microscopy-based morphological characterization of rugose spiraling whitefly, (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin)-an exotic pest on coconut in India.

Precise identification of exotic whiteflies is a prerequisite to curb the invasive potential on to a new geographical location and to evolve effective management strategies. Conventionally, whitefly taxonomy is based on the description of the fourth-instar nymph or puparium, however, in the current investigation egg to adult morphology along with morphometrics of rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin was critically analyzed and various morphological characteristics were illustrated. The morphometric analysis revealed that in the immature life stages of the pest, the length: width ratio decreased with each successive life stage, such as the egg, first, second, third, and fourth instar (2.472 ± 0.071, 1.913 ± 0.020, 1.550 ± 0.045, 1.297 ± 0.034, and 1.174 ± 0.058 mm), respectively. Across different nymphal instars, the shape of lingula was greatly modified from tongue-like to triangle-shaped. The number and distribution of compound pores also vary among the different nymphal stages. The ultra-structures of the antenna through electron-microscopy depicted finer details of sensory cones. The modulation in the shape and the structural arrangement of microtrichia on the plate was illustrated. The study indicated accurate diagnosis of various stages of RSW for effective interception of goods at quarantine stations and thus preventing the entry of exotic pests into the country. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Microscopy-based (light and scanning electron microscopy) morphological characterization of rugose spiraling whitefly, (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin).

Bio-inspired antimicrobial surfaces fabricated by glancing angle deposition.

This paper describes the fabrication of cicada-wing-inspired antimicrobial surfaces using Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD). From the study of an annual cicada (Neotibicen Canicularis, also known as dog-day cicada) in North America, it is found that the cicada wing surfaces are composed of unique three-dimensional (3D) nanofeature arrays, which grant them extraordinary properties including antimicrobial (antifouling) and antireflective. However, the morphology of these 3D nanostructures imposes challenges in artificially synthesizing the structures by utilizing and scaling up the template area from nature. From the perspective of circumventing the difficulties of creating 3D nanofeature arrays with top-down nanofabrication techniques, this paper introduces a nanofabrication process that combines bottom-up steps: self-assembled nanospheres are used as the bases of the features, while sub-100 nm pillars are grown on top of the bases by GLAD. Scanning electron micrographs show the resemblance of the synthesized cicada wing mimicry samples to the actual cicada wings, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The synthetic mimicry samples are hydrophobic with a water contact angle of 125˚. Finally, the antimicrobial properties of the mimicries are validated by showing flat growth curves of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and by direct observation under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The process is potentially suitable for large-area antimicrobial applications in food and biomedical industries.

Electron Tomography and Machine Learning for Understanding the Highly Ordered Structure of Leafhopper Brochosomes.

Insects known as leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) produce hierarchically structured nanoparticles known as brochosomes that are exuded and applied to the insect cuticle, thereby providing camouflage and anti-wetting properties to aid insect survival. Although the physical properties of brochosomes are thought to depend on the leafhopper species, the structure-function relationships governing brochosome behavior are not fully understood. Brochosomes have complex hierarchical structures and morphological heterogeneity across species, due to which a multimodal characterization approach is required to effectively elucidate their nanoscale structure and properties. In this work, we study the structural and mechanical properties of brochosomes using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron microscopy (EM), electron tomography, and machine learning (ML)-based quantification of large and complex scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image data sets. This suite of techniques allows for the characterization of internal and external brochosome structures, and ML-based image analysis methods of large data sets reveal correlations in the structure across several leafhopper species. Our results show that brochosomes are relatively rigid hollow spheres with characteristic dimensions and morphologies that depend on leafhopper species. Nanomechanical mapping AFM is used to determine a characteristic compression modulus for brochosomes on the order of 1-3 GPa, which is consistent with crystalline proteins. Overall, this work provides an improved understanding of the structural and mechanical properties of leafhopper brochosomes using a new set of ML-based image classification tools that can be broadly applied to nanostructured biological materials.

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.

Ovary structure and symbiotic associates of a ground mealybug, Rhizoecus albidus (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) and their phylogenetic implications.

The ovary structure and the organization of its symbiotic system of the ground mealybug, Rhizoecus albidus (Rhizoecidae), were examined by means of microscopic and molecular methods. Each of the paired elongated ovaries of R. albidus is composed of circa one hundred short telotrophic-meroistic ovarioles, which are radially arranged along the distal part of the lateral oviduct. Analysis of serial sections revealed that each ovariole contains four germ cells: three trophocytes (nurse cells) occupying the tropharium and a single oocyte in the vitellarium. The ovaries are accompanied by giant cells termed bacteriocytes which are tightly packed with large pleomorphic bacteria. Their identity as Brownia rhizoecola (Bacteroidetes) was confirmed by means of amplicon sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first report on the morphology and ultrastructure of the Brownia rhizoecola bacterium. In the bacteriocyte cytoplasm bacteria Brownia co-reside with sporadic rod-shaped smaller bacteria, namely Wolbachia (Proteobacteria: Alphaproteobacteria). Both symbionts are transmitted to the next generation vertically (maternally), that is, via female germline cells. We documented that, at the time when ovarioles contain oocytes at the vitellogenic stage, these symbionts leave the bacteriocytes and move toward the neck region of ovarioles (i.e. the region between tropharium and vitellarium). Next, the bacteria enter the cytoplasm of follicular cells surrounding the basal part of the tropharium, leave them and enter the space between the follicular epithelium and surface of the nutritive cord connecting the tropharium and vitellarium. Finally, they gather in the deep depression of the oolemma at the anterior pole of the oocyte in the form of a 'symbiont ball'. Our results provide further arguments strongly supporting the validity of the recent changes in the classification of mealybugs, which involved excluding ground mealybugs from the Pseudococcidae family and raising them to the rank of their own family Rhizoecidae.

On the morphological variability of Limotettix (Limotettix) striola (Falln, 1806) (Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Limotettigini) with notes on the taxonomic status and distribution of L. striola ferganensis Dubovskiy, 1966.

Investigation of the male calling signals of Limotettix (Limotettix) striola (Falln, 1806) in populations from central and southern European Russia, Northern Caucasus, and West Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan demonstrated that they belong to the same species. Males of L. striola from West Tien Shan have a somewhat different penis shape and belong to a separate subspecies, L. striola ferganensis Dubovskiy, 1966. L. striola ferganensis from West Tien Shan differs from L. ferganensis sensu Hamilton (1983, 1994) from the Nearctic in the shape of penis in dorsal view. Apparently, L. ferganensis sensu Hamilton (1983, 1994) is a separate, possibly, undescribed Nearctic taxon.

Review of the Gargara genistae (Fabricius, 1775) species group (Hemiptera: Membracidae) from Russia and adjacent territories.

In Russia, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia the Gargara genistae species group includes three species differing from each other in the male calling signal patterns, but almost indistinguishable in external appearance and the male genitalia shape. Illustrated descriptions of morphology and the male calling signals, and data on host plants and distribution for all species are given. Considerations concerning possible modes of species divergence in this group are provided.

New genera and species of felt scales (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Eriococcidae), with descriptions of new species and immature instars of described species.

In this work, emphasis is placed on the Eriococcidae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) of the Nearctic Region including the immature instars of many species not previously described, two new genera (Carphococcus Miller and Stocks and Ypofloiococcus Miller and Stocks), and 11 new species (Acanthococcus pennyae Miller and Stocks, Carph. apodus Miller and Stocks, Carpochloroides eugeniae Miller and Stocks, Ovaticoccus betsyae Miller and Stocks, Ov. gordoni Miller and Stocks, Ov. haigi Miller and Stocks, Ov. maryfoleybensonae Miller and Stocks, Ov. telotrichus Miller and Stocks, Ov. tuttlei Miller and Stocks, Ov. villanuevorum Miller and Stocks and Y. libeauae Miller and Stocks). In addition to the new taxa, descriptions and illustrations are provided for adult females, adult males and/or immature instars of Ac. arenosus (Cockerell), Ac. coccineus (Cockerell), Ac. dennoi Miller and Miller, Ac. gallicolus (Cockerell & Rohwer), Ac. hoyi Miller and Miller, Ac. kemptoni (Parrott), Apezococcus idiastes Ferris, Carpo. mexicanus Ferris, Cryptococcus fagisuga Lindinger, Cr. williamsi Kosztarab and Hale, Hypericicoccus hyperici (Ferris), Ov. agavacearum Pellizzari and Kozár, Ov. agavium (Douglas), Ov. cornutus (Ferris), Ov. densus (Miller), Ov. eriogoni (Miller), Ov. exoticus Pellizzari and Kozár, Ov. neglectus (Cockerell), Ov. peruvianus (Granara de Willink & Díaz), Ov. salviae Miller, Ov. sanguineus (Miller), Ov. tippinsi Miller and Miller, Ov. variabilis Miller, Spiroporococcus braggi (Cockerell & Robinson), S. yuccae (Ferris) and Xerococcus foquieriae Ferris. Lectotype designations are made for Ap. idiastes. Carpo, mexicanus and H. hyperici. New collection data are provided for Ov. californicus McKenzie, Ov. johnsoni (Miller), Ov. mackenziei Miller, Ov. parvispina (Chaffin) and Ov. viscosa (Kondo). Dichotomous keys are given for: determination of most eriococcid instars of both sexes; Nearctic genera of the Eriococcidae based on adult females; adult females, second-instar females, second-instar males, and first-instar nymphs of Ovaticoccus Kloet 1944; and the seven species of Acanthococcus Signoret 1875 treated here, based on first-instar nymphs. Oregmopyga Hoy 1963 and Cornoculus Ferris 1955 are treated as junior subjective synonyms of Ovaticoccus. Atriplicia Cockerell and Rohwer 1909 has been placed previously as a junior synonym of Eriococcus but here is regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Acanthococcus. We treat 44 species; new descriptions are provided for 101 treated instars, and detailed line drawings are given for all but three of them. The following species, listed in ScaleNet as occurring in the Nearctic Region, are transferred to Acanthococcus from Eriococcus Targioni Tozzetti 1868: Acanthococcus actius Miller and Miller 1993 rev. comb.; Ac. arenariae Miller and Miller 1993 rev. comb.; Ac. barri Miller 1991 rev. comb.; Ac. beshearae Miller and Miller 1993 rev. comb.; Ac. dennoi Miller and Miller 1993 rev. comb.; Ac. droserae Miller, Liu and Howell 1992 rev. comb.; Ac. epacrotrichus Miller and Miller 1992 rev. comb.; Ac. froebeae Miller 1991 rev. comb.; Ac. gallicolus (Cockerell & Rohwer 1909) comb. n.; Ac. hoyi Miller and Miller 1992 rev. comb.; Ac. mackenziei Miller and Miller 1992 rev. comb.; Ac. macrobactrus Miller and Miller 1992 rev. comb.; Ac. megaporus Miller and Miller 1993 rev. comb.; A. mesotrichus Miller and Miller 1993 rev. comb.; Ac. microtrichus Miller and Miller 1992 rev. comb.; Ac. monotrichus Miller and Miller 1993 rev. comb.; Ac. ophius Miller and Miller 1993 rev. comb.; Ac. stauroporus Miller and Miller 1992 rev. comb.; Ac. washingtonensis Miller and Miller 1992 rev. comb.; and Ac. whiteheadi Miller 1991 rev. comb. In addition, two species are transferred to Acanthococcus from Rhizococcus Signoret: Ac. coccineus (Cockerell 1894a) rev. comb. and Ac. kemptoni (Parrott 1900) rev. comb. Three images of water color paintings by Mary Foley Benson are included.

Five new Brazilian species of Fuminana Freytag (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini) with new records and key to males.

Five new Brazilian species of Fuminana Freytag, 1989 are described and illustrated: F. diaphana sp. nov. from states of Maranhão and Piauí, F. guaricica sp. nov. from Paraná State, F. incurvata sp. nov. and F. retorta sp. nov. from Rondônia State, and F. niluga sp. nov. from states of Acre, Pará, Rondônia and Mato Grosso. The female genitalia is described and illustrated for the first time and a revised genus description is presented. New distribution records are given and seven species are newly recorded from Brazil: F. astra (DeLong & Freytag, 1969), F. conspicua (DeLong & Freytag, 1969), Fuminana curra (DeLong & Freytag, 1969), F. extata Freytag, 1989, F. jaculum (DeLong & Freytag, 1969), F. signa (DeLong & Freytag, 1969) and F. superba (DeLong & Freytag, 1969). A key to males is provided as well as some taxonomic notes about the genus.

First record of three alien Auchenorrhyncha species from Europe: Acanalonia bivittata (Say, 1825), Branchana xanthota Li, 2011, and Dryadomorpha pallida Kirkaldy 1906 (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Acanaloniidae, Cicadellidae).

Three alien Auchenorrhyncha species are recorded for the first time from Europe (northern Italy): the Nearctic planthopper Acanalonia bivittata (Say, 1825), the Asian leafhopper Branchana xanthota Li, 2011, and the leafhopper Dryadomorpha pallida Kirkaldy 1906, present in the Afrotropical, Palearctic, Oriental and Australian regions. Observations on morphology and data on biology and host plants are provided. The 5th instar nymph of Dryadomorpha pallida is described. Considerations and data about the increase of alien Auchenorrhyncha species in Europe are discussed.

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.