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The most extraordinary systems of symbiosis in insects are found in the suborder Auchenorrhyncha of Hemiptera, which provide unique perspectives for uncovering complicated insect-microbe symbiosis. We investigated symbionts associated with bacteriomes and fat bodies in six cicada species, and compared transmitted cell number ratio of related symbionts in ovaries among species. We reveal that Sulcia and Hodgkinia or a yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) are segregated from other host tissues by the bacteriomes in the nymphal stage, then some of them may migrate to other organs (i.e., fat bodies and ovaries) during host development. Particularly, YLS resides together with Sulcia in the "symbiont ball" of each egg and the bacteriomes of young-instar nymphs, but finally migrates to the fat bodies of adults in the majority of Hodgkinia-free cicadas, whereas it resides in both bacteriome sheath and fat bodies of adults in a few other species. The transmitted Sulcia/YLS or Sulcia/Hodgkinia cell number ratio in ovaries varies significantly among species, which could be related to the distribution and/or lineage splitting of symbiont(s). Rickettsia localizes to the nuclei of bacteriomes and fat bodies in some species, but it was not observed to be transmitted to the ovaries, indicating that this symbiont may be acquired from environments or from father to offspring. The considerable difference in the transovarial transmission process of symbionts suggests that cellular mechanisms underlying the symbiont transmission are complex. Our results may provide novel insights into insect-microbe symbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sowing dates and their relation to the population density of Aphis craccivora (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its associated predators with the effect of weather factors. The Field experiments were conducted at Qaha city, Qalyubiya Governorate, during the winter seasons 2021-2022 & 2022-2023 on the Spanish broad bean, (Vicia faba L.) cultivar. Three sowing dates on the 15th of November (Recommended); the 1st of December and the 15th of December during winter cultivation were evaluated. Results showed that the sowing date of 15th December in the first and second winter seasons was the preferable date for sowing. Where the lowest general mean numbers of A . craccivora were 21.25 ± 1.80& 24.01 ± 1.29 individuals/two successive seasons, with higher productivity recorded 980.15 ± 43.46 & 1000.00 ± 38.93 Kg./two seasons, respectively. while, the highest general mean numbers of A. craccivora for sowing dates on the 15th of November and 1st of December were 46.09 ± 2.52 & 48.85 ± 2.75 and 41.34 ± 2.43 & 43.57 ± 1.87 individual/two seasons, respectively. Also, the lower productivity on the 15th of November and 1st of December were 538.8 ± 33.46 & 590.60 ± 24.62 and 680.00 ± 43.41&646.71 ± 26.50 Kg. for two seasons. Statistical analysis showed that there were highly significant differences between the sowing date on the 15th of December and each of the sowing dates on the 15th of November and the 1st of December. Also, there were no significant differences between the sowing dates on the 15th of November and the 1st of December. Furthermore, showed result the effect Plant ages, Natural enemies, Temperature, R.H.% and wind speed had different effects (significant or insignificant) on the population A. craccivora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a vital role in insects' growth and development and have significant potential value in pest control. Previously, we identified miR-306 from small RNA libraries within the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, a devasting insect pest for wheat. miR-306 not only involves in wing morphogenesis, but also is critically important for aphid survival. Its specific impacts on the life history traits, however, remain unclear. Here, we evaluate the impact of miR-306 perturbation on S. avenae populations using a two-sex life table approach. This comprehensive analysis revealed that miR-306 perturbation significantly prolongs the developmental stages (9.64% and 8.20%) and adult longevity of S. avenae, while decreasing pre-adult survival rate (41.45% and 38.74%) and slightly reducing average fecundity (5.80% and 13.05%). Overall, miR-306 perturbation negatively affects the life table parameters of the aphid population. The population prediction models show a significant decline in the aphid population 60 days post interference, compared to the control groups (98.14% and 97.76%). Our findings highlight the detrimental effects of miR-306 perturbation on S. avenae population growth and suggest potential candidate genes for the development of RNAi-based biopesticides targeted specifically at this pest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic is an important pollution factor causing environmental damages such as soil, water and atmospheric pollution, greenhouse effect, and climate change. Effects of traffic pollution on various organisms enlightened with various studies. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of traffic-based pollution on Auchenorrhyncha (Insecta: Hemiptera) species in apple orchards and their potential as biomonitor for heavy metal pollution. The Auchenorrhyncha specimens were collected from the apple orchards near the Amasya-Samsun motorway in Türkiye. The heavy metal concentrations were determined by ICP-OES. Five Auchenorrhyncha species were determined from three sites from each of three different distance. Empoasca decipiens specimens were collected only from 0 m while others found in all localities. Heavy metal concentrations in insect specimens tended to decrease with the increasing distance from the motorway. These differences were clearly indicated in Psammotettix provincialis and Phlepsius intricatus, which were found in all localities. Except for Ni, Fe and Mn for Phlepsius intricatus, all examined heavy metals significantly varied in both species. Results showed that heavy metals tended to accumulate in the body of Auchenorrhyncha specimens and because of this they may be evaluated as a biomonitor for heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goji berry psyllid, Bactericera gobica Logniova (Homoptera: Psyllidae), is one of the most important pests on goji berry plants (Lycium barbarum L.), whose fruits are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and food. However, chemical control is still the predominant control strategy of this pest. Recently, two species of predatory mites, Neoseiulus setarius Ma, Meng & Fan and Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes were found to be associated with B. gobica in China. To assess their predation potential against B. gobica, the functional responses of these two phytoseiid species feeding on different densities (2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 32 individuals) of B. gobica eggs and 1st instar nymphs were compared at a temperature of 25ºC ± 1º C. Logistic regression analysis revealed that both predatory mite species exhibited type Holling-II functional responses on eggs and 1st instar nymphs of B. gobica, with the predation number increased for both predators as the density of prey increased. Overall, N. setarius consumed more prey compared to N. barkeri across all levels of prey densities. Meanwhile, the highest attack rate (α = 0.0283), the lowest handling time (Th = 1.1324 h prey− 1), and the highest estimated maximum predation rate (T/Th = 21.19 prey day− 1) were all observed for N. setarius fed with 1st instar nymphs of B. gobica. These findings suggest that it is worthy considering utilizing N. setarius and N. barkeri as candidate biocontrol agents of B. gobica, with N. setarius appearing to be a more effective predator than N. barkeri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Bulgaria, the superfamily Cercopoidea consists of 18 species in two families - Aphrophoridae and Cercopidae. Of these, 13 species of Aphrophoridae belong to the genera Philaenus, Neophilaenus, Aphrophora and Lepyronia and five species of Cercopidae are in Cercopis and Haematoloma. Over a period of 25 years of extensive research on the species of the superfamily in the country, a large amount of georeferenced data has been collected on 17 of the species, which has significantly increased knowledge of their biogeography. New information: The paper presents a dataset of the materials of the superfamily Cercopoidea deposited in the Zoological Collection of the University of Sofia (BFUS). The specimens were collected from 888 localities in Bulgaria over a period of 25 years (1997 to 2022). The Cercopoidea collection comprises 8722 specimens grouped into 6670 collection objects. The text provides data for each species, including a distribution map, regional literature taxon names and identifiers from eight taxonomic infrastructures (GBIF, BOLD, OpenBiodiv, BHL, COL, Plazi, EOL and TaxonWorks). It also includes data from literature and new records, phenology and altitudinal distribution in Bulgaria, as well as known host plants. Live photographs are provided for all species. A nanopublication presents the establishment of a new host plant, Asphodeline lutea (L.) Rchb., for the species Philaenus signatus Melichar, 1896. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During official phytosanitary surveys for citrus pests, the Afrotropical citrus leafhopper, Penthimiola bella (Stal) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), was found in Andalusia (Southern Spain) and Madeira island (Portugal). This data and tracking of a photo sharing website show that P. bella has been present in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula and on the island of Madeira since 2017 and 2022, respectively. The species was found throughout the year, mainly in or around citrus plots. Morphological description of adults and some biological notes are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed- mustard is an important source of edible oil but vulnerable to attack by various insect pests. More than three dozen insect pests are known to be related with rapeseed mustard crop in India. Among them, mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) is a major pest on rapeseed-mustard. Bio-efficacy of PAU homemade neem extract (PAU HMNE) @ 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 L ha−1 along with standard check, Actara (thiamethoxam 25 WG) @ 100 g ha−1 was tested against L. erysimi on gobhi sarson under organic farming conditions. All treatments were applied twice, first when aphid population reached at economic threshold level, ETL (50–60 aphids per 10 cm terminal portion of the central shoot of plant) and second after 7 days of first spray. Water spray and untreated control were kept for the comparison purpose. Three replications were kept for all the treatments. Aphid incidence was recorded on 10 cm terminal portion of central shoot from 10 randomly selected tagged plants per plot. On pooled mean basis, Actara 25 WG @ 100 g ha−1 was found to be most effective against mustard aphid offering highest per cent reduction over control (PROC) viz. 85.01- 94.67 and 83.75–89.66% during 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively, but it also registered highest predators' mortality. In contrast, a locally prepared neem extract, PAU HMNE @ 10.0 L ha−1 was next to record high PROC, i.e., 37.44 to 48.28% and 43.57 to 50.06% in 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively, and highest predators' population. A highest seed yield of mustard (14.80 and 16.85 q ha−1) was marked in Actara 25 WG @ 10.0 L followed by PAU HMNE @ 10.0 L (13.83 and 16.24 q ha−1) over the untreated control plots with lowest seed yield (11.30 and 14.60 q ha−1) in 2020–21 and 2021–22, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new erythroneurine leafhopper species, Empoascanara aparaoides Wang & Song, sp. nov., Motaga mengyangensis Wang & Song, sp. nov., Motaga acicularis Wang & Song, sp. nov., and Tautoneura qingxiuensis Wang & Song, sp. nov. from karst areas in Southwestern China, are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sown or natural flower strips are a commonly used management practice in agroecosystems and have been demonstrated to increase the abundance of predators of orchard pests. There is less evidence of the extent to which such strips can reduce pest damage in orchards.Here we examined the effect of managed, perennial flower margins on fruit damage by an economically significant crop pest, Dysaphis plantaginea, rosy apple aphid, in conventional apple orchards over 2 years, compared to orchards without flower margins.We found orchard flower margins reduced the percentage of apple trees with fruit damage by D. plantaginea, from 80% to 48%. In 2021, a period of severe infestation (65% of trees had fruit damage), there was reduced spread of D. plantaginea on infested apple trees and the number of trees with fruit damage was significantly reduced up to 50 m into orchards. During 2022, a period of lower infestation (25% of trees damaged), fruit damage was significantly reduced up to 10 m from the flower margin.A significant reduction in predation of aphids from bait cards in flower margin compared with control orchards suggests specialists, rather than generalist predators, may be driving the positive effects of the margin on pest pressure. There was no significant effect of flower margins on abundance of important aphid predators, including Syrphidae (hoverflies) and Coccinellidae (ladybirds).Synthesis and applications: To our knowledge, this study is the first to detect a reduction in fruit damage by pests at harvest in orchards with a flower margin. We highlight the potential for established perennial flower margins to deliver measurable, sustainable, D. plantaginea control benefits and provide insights into the optimal spatial arrangement of flower strips in orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is focused on the species belonging to the genus Maiestas Distant, 1917 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae, Deltocephalini) in Iran, based on some specimens collected during 2016 to 2019 from Southeast Iran and species that have been previously reported: M horvathi (Then, 1896), M pruthii (Metcalf, 1967), M schmidtgeni (Wagner, 1939), and M. trifasciata (Lindberg, 1954). M. pruthii, previously known from the Oriental region (India and Pakistan), is recorded for the first time in the Palaearctic region from Southeast Iran and M. horvathi is a new record for the fauna of Sistan and Baluchestan Province. An identification key and distribution maps for the Iranian Maiestas species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of cicadas in the Khabarovskii Krai has been studied very poorly, in contrast to the Amurskaya Oblast’ and Primorskii Krai. Ledra auditura (Ledridae) (also recorded from the eastern part of Zabaikal’skii Krai, the Argun River basin), Glossocratus foveolatus (Cicadellidae), Eoscartopsis assimilis (Cercopidae), Taihorina geisha (Machaerotidae), Cicadetta yezoensis (Cicadidae), Delphax maritima (Delphacidae), Mysidioides sapporensis, Losbanosia hibarensis, Zoraida albicans, Z. horishana (Derbidae), Cixidia ussuriensis, Kosalya fl avostrigata (Achilidae), Saigona ussuriensis (Dictyopharidae), Limois emelianovi (Fulgoridae) are recorded for the fi rst time in the River Amur basin from Khabarovskii Krai.

In this paper data on the number of follicles in testes and the number of ovarioles in ovaries of planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) are summarised and discussed. Fulgoromorpha include about 14,000 described species belonging to 21 families distributed throughout the world. The number of follicles is known for 186 species, 123 genera and 17 families, and the number of ovarioles is known for 52 species, 44 genera and 11 families. Almost 80% of the species studied belong to the families Dictyopharidae, Delphacidae, Issidae, Cixiidae and Achilidae. The number of follicles per testis and ovarioles per ovary varies within similar ranges, from 2 to 30 and from 3 to just over 30, respectively. The predominant number of follicles is 6, which is found in more than one third of the species and in almost all of the families studied. This number is considered as an ancestral trait for Fulgoromorpha. In each family, the ancestral number can vary both upwards or downwards, probably due to either polymerization or oligomerization. In the more basal families, a decreasing trend clearly predominates, whereas an increasing trend predominates in the more advanced families. As for the numbers of ovarioles, they tend to vary within families, with rare exceptions (e.g., Dictyopharidae), but that is probably due to the lack of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leafhopper genus Smyga Dworakowska (Typhlocybinae, Empoascini) is reviewed and a new species, S. brevipenis Webb & Xu, sp. nov. from Brunei and Malaysia, is described based on specimens previously identified as "aberrant specimens" of Smyga distincta Dworakowska. Images of the types of S. brevipenis and S. distincta are given for the first time. A checklist and key to known species of Smyga are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out to collect whitefly species infesting citrus plants in Punjab, Pakistan. A total of eight whitefly species viz., A. russellae, A. woglumi, A. spinosus, A. walayarensis, B. giffardi, D. citri, D. kirkaldyi and D. elongata were recorded from the pupal cases infesting different citrus verities. Of these, two species, A. spinosus A. walayarensis are new record for Pakistan. B. giffardi and D. elongate have been reported first time from citrus plants. Specimens of B. giffardi and D. elongata are elongate and elliptical in shape, but remaining six species are elliptical or oval in shape. These species differ in antenna, colour, size, margin, submargin, dorsal disk, transverse moulting suture, rachis, caudal furrow and vasiform orifice. Maximum whitefly population was collected from Faisalabad followed by Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Mianwali, Layyah and Dera Ghazi Khan respectively. Shannon-Weiner Index value is maximum 1.89 at Sargodha followed by Faisalabad, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, Mianwali, Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan and Layyah respectively. A key for the whitefly species attacking citrus plants in Punjab is also prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterial plant pathogen transmitted by xylem‐feeding insect vectors such as the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha, family Aphrophoridae). Although X. fastidiosa is not currently found in the UK, methods for reducing vector populations will play an important role in controlling the spread of disease in the event X. fastidiosa is introduced. The endoparasitoid big‐headed fly, Verrallia aucta Fallén 1817 (Diptera, Pipunculidae), is a parasite specific to Aphrophoridae and has the potential to be used as a biological control agent; however, there is limited information available on its current presence and prevalence in Scotland. This study used Sanger sequencing and morphology to identify V. aucta within Central Scotland. Additionally, four species of adult Auchenorrhyncha collected during Summer 2021 from sites across Central Scotland were molecularly screened for presence of V. aucta parasitism. Sex and habitat prevalence in V. aucta parasitism in P. spumarius was also examined. Findings from this study demonstrate V. aucta is present in Scotland and specifically parasitizes Aphrophoridae. Parasitism rates of P. spumarius ranged between 17% and 57%, with both male and female adult P. spumarius parasitized equally and rates differing according to habitat. Together, this study improved our knowledge and understanding of the parasitism rate, distribution and nature of V. aucta parasitism in Scotland. Further work is required to strengthen our understanding of the host–parasite relationship and take the first steps towards using V. aucta as a natural biocontrol agent to protect plants against transmission of X. fastidiosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The excessive use of synthetic insecticides in modern agriculture has led to environmental contamination and the development of insect resistance. Also, the prolonged use of chemical insecticides in producing flowers and tomatoes in greenhouses has caused health problems for workers and their offspring. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of mandarin peel (Citrus reticulata L.) essential oil (EO) as a natural insecticide against greenhouse whitefly (Trieurodes vaporariorum W., Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), a common pest in greenhouse production of different crops. Methods: Petroleum ether (PET) and n-hexane (HEX) were used as solvents to extract essential oil (EO) from tangerine peels. Results: The yield of EO was 1.59% and 2.00% (m/m) for PET and HEX, respectively. Additionally, the insect-killing power of EO was tested by checking how many greenhouse whiteflies died at different times. The results showed that PET and HEX extracts of tangerine EO effectively controlled greenhouse whiteflies. Furthermore, with both solvents, a 12.5% (v/v) application was as practical as the commercial insecticide imidacloprid. Further characterization tests with the polarimeter, FTIR, HPLC-RP, and GC-MS showed that the essential oil (EO) contained about 41% (v/v) of d-limonene and that this compound may be responsible for the observed insecticidal properties. Conclusion: Therefore, tangerine peel essential oil is an excellent botanical insecticide candidate for controlling greenhouse whiteflies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomponia cyanea Fraser, 1948 from the southern Western Ghats, of peninsular India is redescribed based on the types and fresh specimens with additional data on distribution, morphometrics, and structure of male genitalia. The validity of P. zebra Bliven, 1964, originally described from the Anamalai Hills is discussed. A study of fresh specimens and holotype images of P. zebra revealed no difference in general morphology, wing venation, or structure of male genitalia so as to separate it from P. cyanea, and hence P. zebra is treated as a junior synonym of P. cyanea Fraser, 1948, syn. nov. The taxonomic status of Terpnosia polei (Henry, 1931) from Sri Lanka is revised based on male morphology and is transferred to its original genus as Pomponia polei Henry, 1931, comb. nov. A key to males of known species of Pomponia of Western Ghats is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic borne pollutants negatively affect organisms. This study aimed to determine the impact of traffic pollution on Auchenorrhyncha species and their usage as biomonitor for metal pollution. The study was carried out in the cherry orchard near the Amasya-Samsun D100/E80 motorway in Amasya, Türkiye. Metal concentrations in specimens tended to decrease with the increasing distance from the motorway. Significant variations were determined in some metal concentrations based on distance from the motorway. The maximum and minimum metal concentrations were obtained from 0 to 100 m, respectively. Negative relationships were determined between distance from the motorway and Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb concentrations in Arboridia versuta (Melichar, 1897), and Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations in Psammotettix provincialis (Ribaut, 1925). Metals were accumulated in the body of specimens. Therefore, it is thought that Auchenorrhyncha species may be used as a biomonitor for metal pollution due to their high metal concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a high-quality assembly and annotation of the periodical cicada species, Magicicada septendecula (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae). Periodical cicadas have a significant ecological impact, serving as a food source for many mammals, reptiles, and birds. Magicicada are well known for their massive emergences of 1 to 3 species that appear in different locations in the eastern United States nearly every year. These year classes ("broods") emerge dependably every 13 or 17 yr in a given location. Recently, it has become clear that 4-yr early or late emergences of a sizeable portion of a population are an important part of the history of brood formation; however, the biological mechanisms by which they track the passage of time remain a mystery. Using PacBio HiFi reads in conjunction with Hi-C proximity ligation data, we have assembled and annotated the first whole genome for a periodical cicada, an important resource for future phylogenetic and comparative genomic analysis. This also represents the first quality genome assembly and annotation for the Hemipteran superfamily Cicadoidea. With a scaffold N50 of 518.9 Mb and a complete BUSCO score of 96.7%, we are confident that this assembly will serve as a vital resource toward uncovering the genomic basis of periodical cicadas' long, synchronized life cycles and will provide a robust framework for further investigations into these insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plants Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ocimum basilicum, Alhaji maurorum, and Mentha longifolia extracted in ethanol at different concentrations (0.5, 0.75, and 1%) were examined under laboratory conditions against Citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) which is dangerous and widely distributed insects infesting most citrus cultivars in Iraq including Erbil province, Kurdistan region. The concentrations with the control (ethanol solvent only) were evaluated under laboratory conditions, and the lethal effectiveness of all extracts was examined after twelve and twenty-four hours of spraying. Data demonstrated that the Eucalyptus extracts and camel thorn grass had the highest reduction of the mealybug nymphs in both exposure times of spraying from treatment with the evaluated concentrations. The mortality effects of dark opal basil and mint extracts were also significant but in a mild manner. Exposure periods had a significant impact on the reduction of mealy bug nymphs too. The conclusions supported using of plant extracts as an alternative method to properly control this insect from the traditional chemical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective pest management in agricultural systems requires understanding environmental conditions and chemical solutions. The efficacy of lambda cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and acephate for mango leaf hopper control was examined in relation to temperature. A controlled laboratory setup with a Bio-Oxygen-Demand (B.O.D) incubator maintained temperatures of 25 °C, 22 °C, and 29 °C for the experiment. The investigated pesticides' toxicity varied with temperature. March 2022, October 2022, and July 2023 lambda cyhalothrin LD50 values were 0.524, 0.412, and 0.992 ppm at 25 °C. In the same timeframes, imidacloprid showed LD50 values of 0.797, 1.187, and 1.774 ppm. Acephate has 0.890, 1.572, and 1.927 ppm LD50s. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), N-(Propargyloxy) phthalimide (PP), diethyl maleate (DEM), and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) were also tested for synergy. DEM and the studied insecticides had synergistic ratios, suggesting improved pest control tactics. The data showed that temperature, pesticide effectiveness, and synergistic interactions promote sustainable mango pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selymbria amazonensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Brazil. An illustrated taxonomic key for males and females is provided. We include distribution maps and comments on their morphology, geographical distribution, and life history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinndorama dilatata sp. nov. is described based on specimens from Amazonas State, Brazil. The genus is firstly recorded from the Brazilian states of Amazonas, Goiás, Maranhão, and São Paulo and a distribution map is provided, including new records to P. dianae, P. guartela, P. melanocephala, P. ronurensis, and P. pitanga. The key to males is updated to include the new species and minor improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the aphid fauna in Kaliningrad Region (Russia) started in 60s of the 20th century, but a regional checklist has not been published yet. Based on material deposited in the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Belarusian State University and data scattered in various scientific publications, we compiled the first comprehensive list of aphids recorded from Kaliningrad Region. The list includes 61 genera, 110 species and two subspecies of which 30 species and one subspecies are recorded in the region for the first time. The recorded taxonomic diversity is lower than in the nearby countries – Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. At least 11 species (10% of the faunal list) are alien for the regional fauna.

A review of the leafhopper tribe Deltocephalini in Pakistan is provided, including comprehensive illustrated keys to all genera and species, along with their diagnosis and distribution. A new species of Paramesodes is described, P. dirensis sp. nov., which was discovered in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A detailed description of this new species is provided together with photographs for visual reference. This tribe now has three genera and 13 species from Pakistan. The genus Deltocephalus Burmeister includes two species, and Maiestas Distant has nine species; Paramesodes Ishihara is now represented with two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symbiotic systems of sap-feeding auchenorrhynchan insects of the order Hemiptera provide a unique perspective for uncovering complicated insect-microbe symbiosis. Previous evidence suggested that cicadas lacking the symbiont Hodgkinia harbor Sulcia in the bacteriomes and the yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) in the fat bodies; however, YLSs were also detected from the bacteriome sheath in three cicada species which separately belong to two phylogenetically closely related tribes, Sonatini and Polyneurini. We comprehensively investigated the symbionts associated with bacteriomes and fat bodies in Sonatini and Polyneurini and analyzed the co-phylogeny between 65 cicada species and related symbionts (Sulcia and YLSs). We revealed that YLSs can commonly colonize the bacteriome sheath besides the fat bodies in these two tribes. Although the phylogeny of YLSs associated with Sonatini, Polyneurini, and some other taxa is locally concordant with that of host cicadas, relationships of YLSs harbored in different host lineages are generally incongruent with that of Cicadidae. More independent replacement events in the loss of Hodgkinia/acquisition of YLS were revealed in Cicadidae, reinforcing the hypothesis that the pathogenic ancestor of YLSs independently infected different lineages of host cicadas. The phylogeny of the very conservative Sulcia generally mirrors the host phylogeny, but Sulcia associated with some taxa (e.g., Sonatini, Platypleurini) of Cicadidae are incongruent with their hosts. This indicates that genetic variation of Sulcia occurred in these cicada lineages. Results of this study contribute to a better understanding of symbiont colonization in the symbiotic system of auchenorrhynchan insects and co-evolutionary relationships between Auchenorrhyncha and related symbionts. IMPORTANCE Obligate symbionts in sap-sucking hemipterans are harbored in either the same or different organs, which provide a unique perspective for uncovering complicated insect-microbe symbiosis. Here, we investigated the distribution of symbionts in adults of 10 Hodgkinia-free cicada species of 2 tribes (Sonatini and Polyneurini) and the co-phylogeny between 65 cicada species and related symbionts (Sulcia and YLSs). We revealed that YLSs commonly colonize the bacteriome sheath besides the fat bodies in these two tribes, which is different with that in most other Hodgkinia-free cicadas. Co-phylogeny analyses between cicadas and symbionts suggest that genetic variation of Sulcia occurred in Sonatini and some other cicada lineages and more independent replacement events in the loss of Hodgkinia/acquisition of YLS in Cicadidae. Our results provide new information on the complex relationships between auchenorrhynchans and related symbionts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study records two Opsius leafhopper species, Opsius richteri (Dlabola) and Opsius stactogallus Fieber from Delhi, India for first time. Earlier Opsius richteri had been described from Iran and Opsius stactogallus is distributed worldwide and now reported from India. This study reveals the new geographic distribution, and the species are redescribed and illustrated herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is the most devastating insect-pest in cotton crop. It is vector of the cotton leaf curl virus (CLCV) and is responsible for huge losses to cotton industry in Pakistan and worldwide. It is mainly controlled by insecticides but the injudicious use of insecticides has resulted in insecticide resistance and population resurgence in addition to various harmful effects on the humans, non-target organisms and the environment. Transgenerational studies are very helpful to choose a best insecticidal option. In the current study, age-stage two-sex life table analysis was used to identify transgenerational effects of sublethal doses of afidopyropen. The adults of B. tabaci were treated with three concentrations of afidopyropen i.e., LC10, LC30 and LC50. The results indicated significant changes in the progeny i.e. the fecundity decreased in treated population; and female and male longevity of their progeny were more in control as compared to treated populations. Similarly, population parameters like intrinsic rate of growth (r), net reproductive rate (R0) and limiting rate of growth (λ) were significantly decreased in the treated adult progeny with values of 0.08–0.11, 4.85–7.46 and 1.09–1.12 per day, respectively. Based on the reduced biotic potential, afidopyropen can be suggested as an effective alternative option for the management of B. tabaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes is widely used for the identification of microbes in complex samples, but it suffers from some limitations resulting in the weak or even absence of fluorescence signals of microbe(s), which may lead to the underestimation or misunderstanding of a microbial community. Herein, we explored symbionts in the bacteriomes and fat bodies of cicadas using modified FISH, aiming to improve this technique. We initially revealed that the probes of Candidatus Sulcia muelleri (Sulcia) and the yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) are suitable for detection of these symbionts in all cicadas and some other species of Auchenorrhyncha, whereas the probe of Candidatus Hodgkinia cicadicola (Hodgkinia) is only suitable for detection of Hodgkinia in a few cicada species. The fluorescence signal of Sulcia, Hodgkinia and YLS exhibited weak intensity without the addition of unlabeled oligonucleotides (helpers) and heat shock in some cicadas; however, it can be significantly improved by the addition of both helpers and heat shock. Results of this study suggest that heat shock denaturing rRNA and proteins of related microbe(s) together with helpers binding to the adjacent region of the probe's target sites prevent the re-establishment of the native secondary structure of rRNA; therefore, suitable probe(s) can more easily access to the probe's target sites of rRNA. Our results provide new information for the significant improvement of hybridization signal intensities of microbes in the FISH experiment, making it possible to achieve a more precise understanding of the microbial distribution, community and density in complex samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infraorder Cicadomorpha is a diverse group comprising several species considered important pests of economic crops and species that may act as vectors of plant pathogens. In Europe, the gram‐negative bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most important and severe insect‐borne plant pathogens associated with the infraorder Cicadomorpha.Therefore, the knowledge of the abundance and diversity of native Cicadomorpha insect vectors related to the different agroecosystems is essential to design and implementing specific measures to control insect‐borne plant pathogens.In this work, in two consecutive years (2018 and 2019), five almond orchards, five vineyards, five olive orchards, and five scrublands distributed in the North of Portugal were sampled in three different periods (early summer, summer and autumn) to investigate species composition, richness, and diversity of the Cicadomorpha community. Also, in 2019, five lemon orchards were sampled.A total of 6056 individuals were collected (2322 in 2018 and 3734 in 2019), belonging to 71 species of three families. Observing several considered pests or vectors of vicious pathogens within these species was possible. The confirmed vectors of X. fastidiosa (Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758) and Neophilaenus campestris (Fallen, 1805)) were captured in all agroecosystems and, in general, with more abundance in autumn. The highest abundance, richness, and diversity of Cicadomorpha were observed in vineyards. However, these parameters (abundance, richness and diversity) significantly differed between the agroecosystem and sampling period.Further research on how the composition of the vegetation cover shapes the Cicadomorpha community is essential to implement strategies to reduce the spread of insect‐borne pathogens if they are introduced into agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), is a global pest of cotton crops. The whitefly causes severe damage to plants both directly and indirectly due to its high dispersal ability, small size, and high reproductive potential. Besides all the possible factors regarding the outbreak of whitefly populations, the major one is widespread use of insecticides, which not only cause resistance development in whiteflies but also cause mortality in beneficial insects. This study reports the integration of the insecticidal crude protein extracted from Citrullus colocynthis seed, Citrullus colocynthis fruit, Azadirachta indica leaves, Azadirachta indica seed, and insecticidal crude protein of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against Bemisia tabaci mitotype Asia II-1 under lab conditions. After 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, mortality percentage was recorded. Leaf dip bioassay method were used. Citrullus colocynthis seed crude protein + A. indica seed crude protein determined the highest rate of mortality (86.3 ± 1.66%) and (82.3 ± 1.66%), followed by C. colocynthis seed crude protein + B. bassiana crude protein (83.3 ± 1.66%) and (80.6 ± 2.88%), and C. colocynthis seed crude protein + A. indica leaf crude protein (80.3 ± 2.88%) and (78.3 ± 1.66%), respectively, after 96 h against the adult and nymphal instars of whitefly mitotype Asia II-1 under control condition. This study would help in the application of integration of plant crude protein and entomopathogenic fungi crude protein as alternative techniques for management of B. tabaci in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The order Hemiptera is incredibly diverse in terms of modes of parthenogenetic reproduction. In this article, we review all currently known data on reproduction by true parthenogenesis, specifically thelytoky, in two major hemipteran suborders, Fulgoromorpha (planthoppers) and Cicadomorpha (leafhoppers). We discuss distribution patterns, ecology, mating behavior, acoustic communication, and the cytogenetic and genetic diversity of parthenoforms. We also highlight examples in which natural populations show a shift in sex ratio toward females and discuss possible causes of this phenomenon, primarily the influence of endosymbiotic bacteria capable of altering the reproductive strategies of the hosts. Insects are renowned for their remarkable diversity of reproductive modes. Among these, the largest non-holometabolous order, Hemiptera, stands out with one of the most diversified arrays of parthenogenesis modes observed among insects. Although there are extensive reviews on reproduction without fertilization in some hemipteran higher taxa, no such analysis has been conducted for the large suborders Fulgoromorpha (planthoppers) and Cicadomorpha (leafhoppers). In both groups, there are species that reproduce by true parthenogenesis, specifically thelytoky, and in Fulgoromorpha, there are species that reproduce by pseudogamy or, more specifically, sperm-dependent parthenogenesis. In this review paper, we give and discuss the only currently known examples of true parthenogenesis in Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha, mainly from the planthopper family Delphacidae and the leafhopper family Cicadellidae. We analyze patterns of distribution, ecology, mating behavior, acoustic communication, and cytogenetic and genetic diversity of parthenoforms and discuss hypotheses about the origin of parthenogenesis in each case. We also highlight examples in which natural populations show a shift in sex ratio toward females and discuss possible causes of this phenomenon, primarily the influence of endosymbiotic bacteria capable of altering the reproductive strategies of the hosts. Our review is mainly based on studies in which the authors have participated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hemiptera is one of the largest and most diverse insect orders, yet our knowledge about visual opsin evolution in this group remains preliminary. This study provides an updated survey of visual opsin genes in the Hemiptera, which reveals that the subfamily of blue-sensitive opsin receptor genes has been independently lost in planthoppers and aphids. Moreover, in both groups, tandem duplication of UV-sensitive opsins produced sister paralogs that diverged by maintaining ancestral UV sensitivity versus shifting to blue sensitivity and thereby likely compensating for the loss of the blue-sensitive opsin subfamily. The study further shows that these parallel trajectories at the level of gene family evolution are associated with mostly convergent changes at the level of protein sequence evolution. Expanding on previous efforts to survey the visual opsin repertoires of the Hemiptera, this study confirms that homologs of the UV- and LW-opsin subfamilies are conserved in all Hemiptera, while the B-opsin subfamily is missing from the Heteroptera and subgroups of the Sternorrhyncha and Auchenorrhyncha, i.e., aphids (Aphidoidea) and planthoppers (Fulgoroidea), respectively. Unlike in the Heteroptera, which are characterized by multiple independent expansions of the LW-opsin subfamily, the lack of B-opsin correlates with the presence of tandem-duplicated UV-opsins in aphids and planthoppers. Available data on organismal wavelength sensitivities and retinal gene expression patterns lead to the conclusion that, in both groups, one UV-opsin paralog shifted from ancestral UV peak sensitivity to derived blue sensitivity, likely compensating for the lost B-opsin. Two parallel bona fide tuning site substitutions compare to 18 non-corresponding amino acid replacements in the blue-shifted UV-opsin paralogs of aphids and planthoppers. Most notably, while the aphid blue-shifted UV-opsin clade is characterized by a replacement substitution at one of the best-documented UV/blue tuning sites (Rhodopsin site 90), the planthopper blue-shifted UV-opsin paralogs retained the ancestral lysine at this position. Combined, the new findings identify aphid and planthopper UV-opsins as a new valuable data sample for studying adaptive opsin evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mango mealybug Rastrococcus invadens Williams causes enormous damage to fruit trees in Burkina Faso, with losses of up to 90% for mango trees and 53% for citrus fruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal effects of native plant extracts against this insect pest. The insecticidal activity and biological effectiveness of the extracts were evaluated on Petri dishes and mango leaves previously contaminated by spraying them with the native plant extracts. The experimental was a completely randomized Fischer block, and compared six doses of the hydroalcoholic extracts of A. conyzoides and H. suaveolens with abamectin 18 EC and water (control). These treatments were repeated up to ten times. The determination of the efficiency coefficients was achieved using Abbott's formula (1925). Both extracts of A. conyzoides and H. suaveolens were effective, but the one based on A. conyzoides at 50 gl -1 was the most effective with 100% mortality in 48 hours compared to 95.00% for H. suaveolens' extract in 72 h. Their respective LC50 were 12.50 gl -1 and 17.49 gl -1, showing that A. conyzoides' extract is more toxic to R. invadens. The high content in phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. of leafy stems of A. conyzoides and of H. suaveolens could help to sustainably control R. invadens in an integrated approach and effectively protect mango orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study determined the diversity of Cicadellidae species infesting various field crops (i.e., wheat, barley, chickpeas, lentils, corn, vegetables, sunflower, peanuts, onion, sesame, tobacco, watermelon, melon, tomato, pepper, eggplant, alfalfa, cucumber, bean, potato) grown in southeastern Anatolia region, Turkey. The second major aim of the study was to determine whether the species could serve as potential vectors for viruses and phytoplasma diseases. Field surveys were conducted through 2015 and 2016 in Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Mardin and Şanlıurfa provinces situated in southeastern Anatolia region of the country. The survey timing was adjusted according to the phenological stages of the crops grown in the region. Samples were collected either by D-Vac or sweep net based on the phenological stage of the surveyed crop. A total of 100 net sweeps were swept at 5 different places in the field (20 nets at each sampling place) or D-Vac was run for 2 minutes at five different random places within the field. A total of 33 species belonging to 7 Cicadellidae sub-families were recorded. The most frequently observed species in the region were Asymmetrasca decedens, Empoasca decipiens, Zyginidia sohrab, Z. pullula, Circulifer haematoceps, Psammotettix striatus, P. alienus and P. provincialis. A total of 26, 16, 12 and 11 species were recorded from Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa, Mardin and Adıyaman provinces, respectively. The study suggests that P. alienus, P. provincialis, P. striatus and C. haematoceps were frequently recorded from the surveyed region and could be considered as potential vectors of viruses and pyhtoplasma in maize, wheat and other crops. Therefore, further studies should be focused on disease spread through reported species in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their frequency, abundance, and unique morphological and biological traits, the Dryinidae (pincer wasps) are among the most important parasitoids of nymphs and adults of Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha. This contribution offers a summary of the knowledge about the main biological characteristics of the Dryinidae gained over more than 130 years. Among other topics, the information provided covers the interactions with their hosts and other organisms, as well as their development, behaviour, natural enemies and economic importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolichostylusgen. nov., a new genus of Portanini, is described, and illustrated, based on two new species: Dolichostylus amazonicusgen.et sp. nov. from Brazil and Ecuador and Dolichostylus zahniserigen.et sp. nov. from Ecuador. The new genus differs from other portanine genera in having the crown short and rounded, forewing without m‐cu2 vein, connective H‐shaped, style very long and slender, aedeagus with pair of elongate caudoventral processes, female sternite VII longer than wide and first valvula of ovipositor without a distinctly expanded area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of increased trade, transportation, and globalization, the phenomenon of growth regarding the entrance of invasive alien species (IAS) represents a serious concern (including flora, fauna, and microbiota). Acanalonia conica (Say, 1830), also known as the green cone-headed planthopper (GCHP), was first identified in the Chrysanthemum collection of the Botanical Garden in Iaşi, Romania. The principal objectives of this article are to update the limited data on the presence of A. conica in Romania, revealing its occurrence in new areas (East Romania, Iași) and on other host plants that were not previously documented in the United States and Europe, as well as to establish the trends of population evolution, with an emphasis on the peak of GCHP population development during the life cycle on East Romania indoor conditions. The evolution of the GCHP population was established using the recorded data on total counts of adults and nymphs observed from a limited area (greenhouse compartment), checked every two days in 115 days of direct observations. The peak of population was established at late-July (25th to 31st day of the month, 30th week of the year) for the conditions of East Romania and it was the appropriate time to monitor the activity of the species, to estimate the damages in specific crops, and to initiate the specific pest control measures. Current findings are significant not only for the general spread of this species in Europe and in Romania but also for the observations regarding new hosts and the population evolution in a greenhouse habitat for the cultivation of ornamental plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Diplocolenus (Verdanulus) stepposussp. n. with a Ponto-Kazakhstanian steppe distribution is described. The species is monophagous on the Volga fescue Festuca valesiaca (Poaceae). Arguments in support of the distinctness of the subgenus Verdanulus are given. Some morphological transformations of the male genitalia in the genus Diplocolenus as a whole are discussed. It is hypothesized that the subgenera Diplocolenus s. str. and Verdanus Oman spread into the Nearctic independently and at different times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the family Issidae (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoroidea), Dentatissus longispinosus sp. nov., is described from the Korean Peninsula. Morphological information is presented with photographs based on male and female specimens. A key to species of the genus Dentatissus is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jason G.H. Londt contributed almost a quarter of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum's specimens of Cicadidae, including a strong sample of females, and probably the best set to date of African records of predation on cicadas by robber flies. The collection provides evidence that robber flies catch more male cicadas; speculatively, because attacks on the heavier-bodied female fail more often. The metadata derived from these specimens also provide a small gazetteer of Londt's collecting sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary success of sap-feeding hemipteran insects in the suborder Auchenorrhyncha was enabled by nutritional contributions from their heritable endosymbiotic bacteria. However, the symbiont diversity, functions, and evolutionary origins in this large insect group have not been broadly characterized using genomic tools. In particular, the origins and relationships among ancient betaproteobacterial symbionts Vidania (in Fulgoromorpha) and Nasuia / Zinderia (in Cicadomorpha) are uncertain. Here, we characterized the genomes of Vidania and Sulcia from three Pyrops planthoppers (family Fulgoridae) to understand their metabolic functions and evolutionary histories. We find that, like in previously characterized planthoppers, these symbionts share nutritional responsibilities, with Vidania providing seven out of ten essential amino acids. Sulcia lineages across the Auchenorrhyncha have a highly conserved genome but with multiple independent rearrangements occurring in an early ancestor of Cicadomorpha or Fulgoromorpha and in a few succeeding lineages. Genomic synteny was also observed within each of the betaproteobacterial symbiont genera Nasuia , Zinderia, and Vidania , but not across them, which challenges the expectation of a shared ancestry for these symbionts. The further comparison of other biological traits strongly suggests an independent origin of Vidania early in the planthopper evolution and possibly of Nasuia and Zinderia in their respective host lineages. This hypothesis further links the potential acquisition of novel nutritional endosymbiont lineages with the emergence of auchenorrhynchan superfamilies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This paper explores the pre-mating reproductive barriers in a group of leafhopper species living vicariously in the Palaearctic region by producing hybrid zones and compares them with a closely related species of the same genus living in sympatry with some of the species of the investigated group. The results confirm the usefulness of a cheap, though neglected, methodology for recording substrate-borne vibrations and concern the basic clues that separate these species during their mating; i.e., which of the parameters of the substrate-borne vibrations they produce for calling the opposite sex and courting once the two sexes meet are necessary as pre-mating reproductive barriers. The basic behavioural isolation mechanisms are the pulse period of the female call and the main part of the courtship ritual performed by the male. An excursus into the existing literature on leafhopper bioacoustics and reproductive behaviour is undertaken to point out common aspects, propose explanations of biological phenomena—including the formation of hybrid zones, which led, in the past, to the description of several fictitious new species throughout the Palaearctic—and place the grounds for further research on pre-mating and post-mating reproductive barriers. The vibrational communication and mating behaviour of the graminicolous leafhoppers Zyginidia pullula, Z. ribauti, Z. scutellaris, Z. serpentina, Z. sohrab, and Z. biroi were investigated to explain why the first five species hybridize. Z. biroi was used as a control species. All species behaved in the same way and no significant statistical differences were detected with regard to male calls, while female calls and the male courtship song differed in Z. biroi, thus showing that a specific pre-mating isolation mechanism was used by the latter species and the first five ones lacked such a mechanism. In addition, Z. sohrab is missing in Italy, while the other species live allopatrically in Italy, with the only exceptions being Z. serpentina and Z. biroi, which live in Sicily and are often found in sympatry, and Z. scutellaris and Z. biroi, which live in Sardinia. All these species can be distinguished by means of male genital appendages; however, Z. biroi is longer and has a different body colour. The existence of natural hybrids of Z. pullula, Z. ribauti, and Z. scutellaris in the Italian peninsula and their hybridization in the laboratory with Z. serpentina and Z. sohrab require the investigation of possible post-mating reproductive barriers before re-considering their systematic validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species, Apollo maculiceps gen. & sp. nov., in the planthopper family Cixiidae is described from south Western Australia. It can be distinguished from all other Australian Cixiidae by the presence of a denticle on the distal part of the fore coxa, a character that is shared with some other Oecleini genera. Large numbers of Apollo maculiceps gen. & sp. nov. were observed feeding on a native Australian cycad Macrozamia riedlei (family Zamiaceae). This is the first record of the economically important tribe Oecleini from Australia. A revised key to the tribes of the Australian Cixiidae is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemiptera is the largest order of non‐holometabolous insects. Recent phylogenetic studies have contributed greatly to our understanding of the phylogeny of the group. However, parts of the hemipteran tree remain unclear. In this study, we have sequenced transcriptomes from five sternorrhynchan species, four exemplars from Aphididae, and one from Monophlebidae. The addition of published transcriptome data produced alignments of >105 000 amino acids from 224 hemipteran taxa in 30 superfamilies covering all suborder and infraorder clades. The data confirmed the Sternorrhyncha superfamily relationship of Aleyrodoidea + (Psylloidea + [Coccoidea + Aphidoidea]). In addition, phylogenomic analyses supported a basal split of Sternorrhyncha and the remaining hemipteran lineages. The Fulgoromorpha formed a sister clade to Cicadomorpha, with strong support. Therefore, our results supported the monophyly of Auchenorrhyncha. The Coleorrhyncha was robustly resolved as a sister group of Auchenorrhyncha, contrary to the concept of the Heteropterodea. Within Heteroptera, the Enicocephalomorpha, Dipsocoromorpha, and Gerromorpha were resolved as the earliest branching groups, while the Nepomorpha, Leptopodomorpha, Cimicomorpha, and Pentatomomorpha were the successive sister groups to the remaining clades in the series. The Cimicomorpha and Pentatomomorpha were sister groups that occupied the most apical branches of the heteropteran tree. Although some phylogenetic estimates yielded conflicting hypotheses for superfamily relationships of Cicadomorpha, Four‐cluster Likelihood Mapping (FcLM) analyses revealed a greater phylogenetic signal for the relationship of Membracoidea + (Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea). Highlights: Sternorrhyncha was sister to all other hemipteran lineages.The monophyly of Auchenorrhyncha was strongly supported.The Coleorrhyncha was robustly resolved as a sister group of Auchenorrhyncha.The Aleyrodoidea was sister to a clade (Psylloidea + [Coccoidea + Aphidoidea]). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]