Invasion and spread of the neotropical leafhopper Curtara insularis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Africa and North America and the role of high-altitude windborne migration in invasive insects.

Invasive insects threaten ecosystem stability, public health, and food security. Documenting newly invasive species and understanding how they reach into new territories, establish populations, and interact with other species remain vitally important. Here, we report on the invasion of the South American leafhopper, Curtara insularis into Africa, where it has established populations in Ghana, encroaching inland at least 350 km off the coast. Importantly, 80% of the specimens collected were intercepted between 160 and 190 m above ground. Further, the fraction of this species among all insects collected was also higher at altitude, demonstrating its propensity to engage in high-altitude windborne dispersal. Its aerial densities at altitude translate into millions of migrants/km over a year, representing massive propagule pressure. Given the predominant south-westerly winds, these sightings suggest an introduction of C. insularis into at least one of the Gulf of Guinea ports. To assess the contribution of windborne dispersal to its spread in a new territory, we examine records of C. insularis range-expansion in the USA. Reported first in 2004 from central Florida, it reached north Florida (Panhandle) by 2008-2011 and subsequently spread across the southeastern and south-central US. Its expansion fits a "diffusion-like" process with 200-300 km long "annual displacement steps"-a pattern consistent with autonomous dispersal rather than vehicular transport. Most "steps" are consistent with common wind trajectories from the nearest documented population, assuming 2-8 hours of wind-assisted flight at altitude. Curtara insularis has been intercepted at US ports and on trucks. Thus, it uses multiple dispersal modalities, yet its rapid overland spread is better explained by its massive propagule pressure linked with its high-altitude windborne dispersal. We propose that high-altitude windborne dispersal is common yet under-appreciated in invasive insect species.

First Report of Chagas Disease Vector Species Triatoma sanguisuga (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in Delaware.

In July and October 2023, two live triatomine bugs were found inside a home in New Castle County, Delaware. The bugs were identified as Triatoma sanguisuga, the most widespread triatomine bug species in the United States. Triatoma sanguisuga is a competent vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The two specimens were tested via real-time PCR (qPCR) for infection with T. cruzi, and one of the specimens was positive. Despite T. sanguisuga being endemic to the area, attainment of accurate species identification and T. cruzi testing of the bugs required multiple calls to federal, state, private, and academic institutions over several months. This constitutes the first report of T. sanguisuga infected with T. cruzi in Delaware. In addition, this is the first published report of T. sanguisuga in New Castle County, the northernmost and most densely populated county in Delaware. New Castle County still conforms to the described geographic range of T. sanguisuga, which spans from Texas to the East Coast of the United States. The T. cruzi infection prevalence of the species has not been studied in the northeastern United States, but collections in southern states have found prevalences as high as 60%. The Delaware homeowner's lengthy pursuit of accurate information about the vector highlights the need for more research on this important disease vector in Delaware.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Paraphenice (Hemiptera: Derbidae: Otiocerinae) from palms in eastern Madagascar.

A survey of planthoppers associated with palms in Madagascar was initiated to assess putative vectors of a phytoplasma causing palm decline. Here a derbid collected from a Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis) is described as Paraphenice fluctus sp. n., with supplemental molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and D9D10 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene.

Redescription and revised genus placement of Oliarus pinicolus Osborn, 1926, with notes on Antillean Pentastirini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae).

Oliarus pinicolus Osborn, 1926 is a little-known planthopper described from western Cuba on Cuban pine (Pinus cubensis). As part of a review of the sprawling New World cixiid genus Melanoliarus Fennah, 1945, the species is herein redescribed and illustrated for the first time, including the male terminalia. After comparison to similar species in the region, we transfer the species to Nivcentia Holzinger, 2004, as Nivcentia pinicolus comb. nov., based on characteristics of the male terminalia and provide an amended description of the genus. We also designate a lectotype for Oliarus pinicolus to ensure the stability of the species concept described here. A checklist of Antillean Pentastirini is included with taxonomic comments on the species and genera of the region. The pentastirine species of Cuba are illustrated.

First Report of Metadelphax propinqua (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) Feeding on Bermudagrass in Brazil.

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Poaceae) is one of the most important pasture grasses used in milk production systems in southern Brazil, with an increasing expansion of cultivated areas in recent years. Here, we report the first occurrence of the planthopper Metadelphax propinqua (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) feeding on bermudagrass in Brazil. Population outbreaks of this species were observed in January/February 2023 in a commercial hay production farm in the municipality of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil. Metadelphax propinqua was found in association with three cultivars of C. dactylon (Tifton 85, Jiggs, and Vaquero). The infested plants showed leaf chlorosis and a reduced plant growth rate due to sap sucking and toxin injection as well as honeydew deposition on the leaves, which led to the development of sooty mold. In addition, this delphacid species has been reported as a vector of important pathogens to bermudagrass species and other row crops. Thus, M. propinqua is a potential pest of bermudagrass in Brazil and should be monitored to assess its establishment and behavior in Brazilian pasturelands.

Revision of the Neotropical genus Trigava O'Brien, 1999 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Dictyopharidae, Nersiini), with descriptions of two new species from Peru and Brazil.

The Neotropical planthopper genus Trigava O'Brien, 1999 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Dictyopharidae, Nersiini) is revised. Four species are included: T.brachycephala (Melichar, 1912) (the type species, from Peru), T.obrieni Song, Malenovský & Deckert, sp. nov. (from Brazil), T.peruensis Song, O'Brien & Bartlett, sp. nov. (from Peru), and T.recurva (Melichar, 1912) (from Bolivia and Peru). Lectotypes are designated for Igavabrachycephala Melichar, 1912 and Igavarecurva Melichar, 1912. All species are described, including habitus photographs and detailed illustrations of the male genitalia. Male and female genitalia are described for this genus for the first time. A key for identification of the species of Trigava and a distribution map are provided.

First Record of the African Species Leptodelphax maculigera (Stål, 1859) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in Brazil.

This study reports the first occurrence of Leptodelphax maculigera (Stål, 1859) in Brazil and the Americas. Until now, this species has not been reported outside of Africa. The notification occurred in the State of Goiás in species of agronomic importance, as corn, Brachiaria, elephant grass, cultivar BRS Capiaçu and beans. The identification of the species was carried out through the morphological analysis of the male terminalia. This species has been found in maize plants, were sharing the same space with another wellknown species of great economic importance to crop, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott). Thus, the confirmed presence of L. maculigera in Brazil and the morphological distinction of the two species are key factors for establishing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the areas where it is found.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Melanoliarus (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae) from coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) in Trinidad.

During a survey in Trinidad and Grenada for putative vectors of palm lethal decline phytoplasmas, three species of planthopper in the genus Melanoliarus (Hemiptera, Cixiidae) were collected. Melanoliarus maidis was collected from coconut palms in Grenada, M. kindli was collected from grasses in a coconut plot in Trinidad and a new species of Melanoliarus was collected from coconut palms in Trinidad. Herein the novel taxon is described with supplementary molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene to support placement in the genus Melanoliarus in the strict sense.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Shellenius (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Derbidae) from palms in Costa Rica.

The genus Shellenius is a small taxon of planthoppers in the family Derbidae (Otiocerinae: Otiocerini) found in the eastern United States and Mesoamerica. A new species of Shellenius associated with palms is herein described from Costa Rica. Molecular data for the barcoding region cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S rRNA gene is provided to produce a preliminary phylogenetic tree for related taxa and support placement of the novel taxon in Shellenius. A review of Fowler type material suggests that Otiocerus interruptus Fowler is a Shellenius species and is here transferred to that genus as Shellenius interruptus new combination.

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.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Haplaxius (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae) from disturbed submontane rainforest in Jamaica.

Haplaxius is a large genus of cixiid planthopper found in the New World. The genus is of particular interest due to the ability of H. crudus to transmit the phytoplasmas for lethal decline in various palm species, primarily in the Caribbean and Florida, U.S.A. During recent vector survey work in Jamaica, a specimen was collected at Castleton Botanic Garden and determined to be a new species of Haplaxius. The novel taxon is herein described, Haplaxius fornicus sp. n., and corresponding DNA sequence data is provided for the barcoding region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene. An updated phylogeny of the genus is provided with currently available taxa demonstrating additional support for the placement of H. fornicus sp. n. in Haplaxius.

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

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

The Genus Thionia Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Issidae) in Colombia: Highlighting the Value of Entomological Collections.

Entomological collections represent a key source of information about the biological heritage of a country. However, the taxonomy and knowledge of many arthropods from megadiverse countries are underrepresented in these natural history collections as is the case with several planthoppers of the suborder Auchenorrhyncha. Issidae are fulgoromorphs distributed worldwide, except the poles and Greenland. Despite this ubiquity, Colombian planthoppers remain very poorly known and studied. Our objective was to provide the first consolidated records and distributional data for Colombian Issidae. We used reports of the representative genus Thionia deposited in biological collections in Colombia. In addition, we linked voucher specimen information and Olson's life zones showing an inter-Andean valley and Eastern Andean Cordillera distribution within Colombia. Our survey of Colombian biological collections revealed 55 individuals of the genus Thionia Stål, 1859 (53 adults, 2 immatures [nymphs]), which were collected by different methods; however, many of those records may be opportunistic. This genus (and its species) needs further study, with systematic and ecological revision, as is the case with other terrestrial Colombian hemipterans. Our consolidated records represent an advance to the knowledge of Issidae (and Thionia specifically) for the Neotropics and Colombia in particular, and a baseline for further study of distributional and biogeographic patterns of the suborder Auchenorrhyncha.

Assessing the host range of Anastatus orientalis, an egg parasitoid of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) using Eastern U.S. non-target species.

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), an invasive planthopper discovered in Pennsylvania, U.S. in 2014, has spread to many surrounding states despite quarantines and control efforts, and further spread is anticipated. A classical (importation) biological control program would contribute to the long-term management of L. delicatula in the eastern U.S. In its native range of China, Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), an egg parasitoid, causes significant mortality. Anastatus orientalis consists of multiple haplotypes that differ in important biological parameters. To delineate the physiological host range of A. orientalis Haplotype C, we completed no-choice and choice testing. No-choice testing of non-target eggs from 36 insect species spanning six orders and 18 families showed that physiologically this haplotype of A. orientalis can develop in a variety of host species eggs from the families Coreidae, Fulgoridae, Pentatomidae, and Saturniidae. Ten of the 16 species that were attacked in the no-choice tests were also attacked in the choice tests. The production of progeny on non-target egg masses was significantly lower than on the controls (L. delicatula egg masses run simultaneously) in the no-choice and choice tests. For the non-target species that were attacked and resulted in female wasp progeny, these females were able to produce their own progeny at the same rate as control females that were reared from the L. delicatula eggs. Larger host eggs corresponded to an increased female-biased sex ratio of the progeny, suggesting that gravid females select them for fertilized eggs. Results from these studies suggest that A. orientalis Haplotype C prefers to parasitize L. delicatula egg masses but is capable of developing in some non-target species.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Anotia (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Derbidae) from the Los Angeles cloud forest in Costa Rica.

Recent survey work in Costa Rica has resulted in the discovery of new species of derbid and cixiid planthoppers associated with palms. During this survey, one species belonging to the genus Anotia has been discovered and described, A. firebugia. A second species was collected while sweeping trailside vegetation in the Los Angeles cloud forest in Costa Rica and determined to represent a new species of Anotia. Herein, Anotia cerebro sp. n. is described and supplemental molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 18S rRNA gene and D9-D10 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene are provided.

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

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

A new species of Oecleus (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) from the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Recent palm survey work in Costa Rica focusing on planthoppers has resulted in the discovery of several new taxa, primarily in Cixiidae and Derbidae. In addition to sampling palms directly, light trapping has been utilized to collect a broader range of planthoppers that may not be found on palms. During a light trapping event at the Cotinga Biological station on the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica, a cixiid was collected and subsequently determined to be an unidentified species in the genus Oecleus Stl. Herein, the novel taxon, Oecleus urru sp. n., is described. Supplemental molecular data for the barcoding region (5 half) of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene is provided to support the placement of the novel taxon in the genus Oecleus.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Cobacella (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Derbidae) from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in Costa Rica.

Recent survey work in Costa Rica has revealed a high diversity of planthoppers in the family Derbidae on palms (Arecaceae). During an expedition to Costa Rica in 2021, specimens were collected from African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) along the pacific coast and determined to represent a new species of derbid in the genus Cobacella. Herein, the novel taxon, Cobacella palmensis sp. n., is described and compared with the two other species in the genus. Supplemental molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding region, 18S rRNA gene and D9-D10 expansion region of the 28S rRNA gene are provided to test the placement of the novel taxon relative to available otiocerine planthoppers. We also present a preliminary key to the species of Cobacella and review all available specimen records of the genus.

A new species of Oecleus (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae) from the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and a reassessment of the generic status of Nymphomyndus.

A new species of cixiid planthopper in the genus Oecleus Stl is described from Tortuguero, Limn Province, Costa Rica. This is the first Oecleus species reported from Costa Rica. The new species, Oecleus dormido sp. n., was collected sweeping grassy edge habitat near the Caribbean coast. Sequence data for COI, 18S, and H3 was generated for phylogenetic comparison of the new species with other available Oecleus species and New World Oecleini to test genus-level placement and provide a preliminary examination of the phylogenetic relationships among New World genera of Oecleini. The results indicate that Oecleus, Haplaxius and Myxia are monophyletic, at least among the included taxa, the genera (Myxia+((Nymphocixia+Nymphomyndus)+Haplaxius) may form a clade apart from Oecleus. The monobasic genera Nymphocixia+Nymphomyndus are closely allied, with a difference of 0.98% for 18S, compared to an average of 2.2% among other included oecleine genera. In view of the limited morphological and molecular differences between these genera, we propose Nymphomyndus as a junior synonym of Nymphocixia.

A new species of planthopper in the genus Myconus (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoroidea: Achilidae) from the Los Angeles Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.

Recent survey work in Costa Rica has resulted in the discovery of a wide variety of undescribed species of planthoppers in the families Derbidae and Cixiidae. During a light trapping event in the Los Angeles cloud forest, a large planthopper was collected and determined to belong to the genus Myconus in the family Achilidae. Herein, the novel taxon is described with accompanying molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, 18S rRNA gene, and histone 3 (H3) gene and an updated key for the New World Myconus is provided.