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A total of 151 genotypes of durum and bread wheat exhibiting symptoms of stunting and bushy growth, leaf yellowing, and drying of clumps were recorded at ICAR-IARI Regional Station, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India from 2016 to 2018. The disease incidence was recorded more in durum wheat genotypes as compared to bread wheat genotypes. The presence of any virus, bacterial, and fungal pathogens was ruled out by applying cultural growth and electron microscopy. However, association of phytoplasmas presence was confirmed in 142 (out of 151) durum and bread wheat genotypes by employing PCR primer pairs of 16S rRNA, leuS and secA genes. The sequence analysis of all the genes and in silico RFLP analysis of 16S rDNA sequences of wheat phytoplasma strains identified them as rice yellow dwarf group (16SrXI-B) and Bermuda grass white leaf group (16SrXIV-A). Two symptomatic weed species (Parthenium hysterophorus and Cleome gynandra) tested positive for 16SrXI-B phytoplasma subgroup and four weed species (Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria sanguinalis, Euphorbia hirta and Rhynchosia minima) for 16SrXIV-A phytoplasma subgroup growing in and around wheat fields. Six hopper species identified from symptomatic wheat fields were also analyzed for phytoplasma presence. Three hopper species viz., Sogatella furcifera, Balclutha rubrostriata, and Exitianus indicus were tested positive to phytoplasmas in 16SrXIV group, while Sogatella kolophon, Cofana unimaculata, and Maiestas sp. tested positive to 16SrXI group of phytoplasmas in nested PCR assays. Transmission assays revealed that S. furcifera and B. rubrostriata successfully transmitted the 16SrXIV-A strain from infected wheat to healthy wheat plants; however, C. unimaculata was able to transmit 16SrXI-B subgroup from infected wheat to healthy wheat plants under glasshouse conditions. A variation in phytoplasma associated disease incidence was recorded on wheat genotypes in different years and was also found positively correlated with temperature, humidity, and hopper population. The identification of similar phytoplasma strains (16SrXI and 16SrXIV group) from wheat, weeds, and hoppers indicated potential risk of transmission of these strains to wheat genotypes and other agricultural crops, which needs further investigations on epidemiological aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caliscelidae records from Turkey are summarized. The tribe Adenissini Dlabola is recorded for the first time from the country after Perissana bispinata (Dlabola, 1980) collected in Mardin Province. New records for Ommatidiotus iranicusHorváth, 1905 and Bruchoscelis peculiaris (Horváth, 1904) are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caliscelidae records from Turkey are summarized. The tribe Adenissini Dlabola is recorded for the first time from the country after Perissana bispinata (Dlabola, 1980) collected in Mardin Province. New records for Ommatidiotus iranicusHorváth, 1905 and Bruchoscelis peculiaris (Horváth, 1904) are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Euhemisphaerius Chan & Yang, 1994 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae: Issinae: Hemisphaeriini) is revised. Based on a comparative morphological study and molecular phylogenetic analyses, Epyhemisphaerius Chan & Yang, 1994 and Gnezdilovius Meng, Webb & Wang, 2017 are downgraded to junior synonyms of Euhemisphaerius. This redefined genus was recovered as a well-supported clade nested within the subtribe Hemisphaeriina. Hemisphaerius delectabilis Schumacher, 1914, Gergithus flaviguttatus Hori, 1969, Ge. satsumensis Matsumura, 1916, Ge. okinawanus Matsumura, 1936 and Ge. taiwanensis Hori, 1969 are transferred to Euhemisphaerius. New synonyms are proposed: Eu. bistriatus (Schumacher, 1915), comb. nov. = Ep. rosticus (Chan & Yang, 1994), syn. nov.; Eu. delectabilis (Schumacher, 1914), comb. nov. = Gn. lineatus (Kato, 1933), syn. nov.; Eu. robustus (Schumacher, 1915), comb. nov. = Gn. robustus hoozanensis (Schumacher, 1915), syn. nov.; Eu. stramineus (Hori, 1969), comb. nov. = Ep. nummarius (Chan & Yang, 1994), syn. nov.; Eu. taiwanensis (Hori, 1969), comb. nov. = Eu. infidus Chan & Yang, 1994, syn. nov. = Eu. primulus Chan & Yang, 1994, syn. nov. Ge. rugiformis Zhang & Che, 2009, transferred to Gnezdilovius by previous authors, is considered as of uncertain generic placement and reinstated in its original combination. Gn. transversus Meng, Qin & Wang, 2020 is formally transferred to Euhemisphaerius due to the synonymy of Gnezdilovius with the latter genus, but is considered as of uncertain generic placement. Eu. paradelectabilis sp. nov. is described based on an integrative morphological, molecular and ecological approach; the new species exhibits a broad intraspecific variability in its color in a way similar to Eu. delectabilis comb. nov., but it can be readily recognized based on the lack of a shining transverse band on the frons, a character invariably present in Eu. delectabilis comb. nov. Doubtful distribution records of 11 species formerly placed into Gnezdilovius and Epyhemisphaerius are corrected and discussed.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D5E90CE1-F4F2-48E0-B80B-3992709E4036

Pentastiridius leporinus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) is the main vector of an emerging and fast spreading sugar beet disease, the syndrome 'basses richesses' (SBR), in different European countries. The disease is caused by the γ-3-proteobacterium ' Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus' and the phytoplasma ' Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' which are exclusively transmitted by planthoppers and can lead to a significant loss of sugar content and yield. Monitoring of this insect vector is important for disease management. However, the morphological identification is time consuming and challenging as two additional cixiid species Reptalus quinquecostatus and Hyalesthes obsoletus with a very close morphology have been reported in sugar beet fields. Further, identification of females and nymphs of P. leporinus at species level based on taxonomic key is not possible. In this study, an isothermal nucleic acid amplification based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) was developed to specifically detect P. leporinus. In addition, real-time RPA was developed to detect both adults (male and female) and nymph stages using pure or crude nucleic acid extracts. The sensitivity of the real-time RPA for detection of P. leporinus was comparable to real-time PCR, but a shorter time (< 7 min) was required. This is a first report for real-time RPA application for P. leporinus detection using crude nucleic acid templates which can be applied for fast and specific detection of this vector in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An increasing number of fossil specimens of planthoppers from Burmese amber are being described. Few of them belong to extant families. Here, we described two new fossil species of Pentacarinus: P. maculosus sp. nov. and P. tenebrosus sp. nov. in the tribe Acrotiarini in the extant family Cixiidae, from Kachin state of northern Myanmar. A revised diagnosis for the genus and a key to species identification are also provided. Two new species, Pentacarinus maculosus sp. nov. and Pentacarinus tenebrosus sp. nov., from Burmese amber are described. Alongside the type species P. kachinensis already described, they are easily distinguishable by the tegmina patterns. The diagnosis of the genus Pentacarinus is amended, notably with fusion of Pcu + A1 distad of forking CuA, the fork ScP + R approximately close to basal 1/5 of tegmen, basad of forking CuA, and only one transverse veinlet ir between RP and RA on forewings. Additionally, a key to these three species of Pentacarinus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic of Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) in and after the late 2000s caused serious yield losses in rice in Southeast and East Asia. This virus was first recorded in China in 2001, but its exclusive vector insect, Sogatella furcifera, occurred there before then. To clarify the evolutionary origin of SRBSDV as the first plant virus transmitted by S. furcifera, we tested virus transmission using three chronological strains of S. furcifera, two of which were established before the first report of SRBSDV. When the strains fed on SRBSDV-infected rice plants were transferred to healthy rice plants, those established in 1989 and 1999 transmitted the virus to rice similarly to the strain established in 2010. SRBSDV quantification by RT-qPCR confirmed virus accumulation in the salivary glands of all three strains. Therefore, SRBSDV transmission by S. furcifera was not caused by biological changes in the vector, but probably by the genetic change of the virus from a closely related Fijivirus, Rice black-streaked dwarf virus, as suggested by ecological and molecular biological comparisons between the two viruses. This result will help us to better understand the evolutionary relationship between plant viruses and their vector insects and to better manage viral disease in rice cropping in Asia. [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.

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Conomelus anceps (planthopper; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Delphacidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 957.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.98 kilobases in length.

The estimation of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Soil Water Storage (SWS) is crucial in comprehending ecosystem services and environmental sustainability. It plays a crucial role in guiding sustainable restoration strategies and supporting the long-term health of post-mining sites. Remote sensing technology provides valuable tools for modelling and mapping soil properties in reclaimed post-mining sites efficiently and cost-effectively. This study aimed to utilize remote sensing data to estimate SOC, TN, and SWS in a reclaimed post-mining site. Field data was collected from 130 research plots to obtain reference data for SOC, TN, and SWS from the Sonica hard coal post-mine spoil heap. Remote sensing data were: airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds and Planets cope satellite imageries. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) were used to develop predictive models. Wall-to-wall predictions of analyzed variables were performed. The results identified topographic and remote sensing indicators that significantly influence SOC, TN, and SWS. Digital Terrain Model (DTM), aspect, and blue spectral band are variables that explain SOC storage, with a significant influence of DTM, ranging from −8 to 18 Mg ha−1. TN was explained by DTM, Canopy Height Model (CHM), blue and Near Infrared (NIR) spectral bands, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), mainly influenced by NIR and NDVI, ranging from −1.1 to 0.8 and −0.9 to 1.4 Mg ha−1, respectively. The values of Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), aspect, CHM, blue and NIR spectral bands explained SWS, highlighting their importance in assessing soil water dynamics in post-mining landscapes, with TWI and CHM being particularly influential, ranging from −2 to 5.1 and −6 to 2 mm, respectively. However, caution is advised when predicting SOC and TN using remote sensing in post-mining sites due to geogenic carbon considerations.

In insects, melanism, a fundamental pigmentation process, is of significant importance in evolutionary biology due to its complex genetic foundation. We investigated the role of the RNA‐binding gene Musashi (msi) in melanism in Laodelphax striatellus, a Hemiptera species. We identified a single L. striatellus msi homolog, Lsmsi, encoding a 357 amino acid protein with 2 RNA recognition motifs. RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of LsMsi resulted in complete body melanism and increased cuticular permeability. Additionally, we found the involvement of G protein‐coupled receptor A42 and tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) in L. striatellus melanism. Knockdown of LsTh lightened the epidermis, showing dehydration signs, while LsA42 knockdown enhanced LsTh expression, leading to melanism. Surprisingly, Lsmsi knockdown decreased both LsA42 and LsTh expression, which was expected to cause whitening but resulted in melanism. Further, we found that Lsmsi influenced downstream genes like phenoloxidase homolog LsPo and dopa decarboxylase (Ddc) homolog LsDdc in the tyrosine‐mediated melanism pathway. Extending to Nilaparvata lugens and Sogatella furcifera, we demonstrated the conserved role of msi in melanism among Delphacidae. Given MSI proteins’ roles in cancer and tumors in vertebrates, our study is the first to link msi in insects to Delphacidae body color melanization via the tyrosine‐mediated pathway, offering fresh perspectives on the genetic basis of insect melanism and msi functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An increasing number of fossil planthoppers from Burmese ambers are regularly newly described, yet few belong to extant families. In this study, we describe new fossil taxa in the family Achilidae: Niryasaburnia nigrutomia sp. nov. and Sinuovenaxius kachinensis gen. et sp. nov. Additionally, we propose the establishment of a new tribe, Niryasaburniini trib. nov., to accommodate these two genera. A key for identifying tribes within the Myconinae subfamily is provided. A new species Niryasaburnia nigrutomia sp. nov. of the planthopper family Achilidae from Burmese amber collected from Hukawng Valley (Tanai) of northern Myanmar, is described, notably based on forewing pattern coloration and metatibiotarsal teeth conformation. A new fossil genus with its type species Sinuovenaxius kachinensis gen. et sp. nov. is also described. The tribe Niryasaburniini trib. nov. is established to include Niryasaburnia Szwedo, 2004, and Sinuovenaxius gen. nov., based on a unique combination of characters, of which the following states are particularly notable: head with compound eyes around half the length of pronotum, late forking of ScP+R and CuA after the fusion of Pcu+A1 on the forewing, apical teeth of metatarsomeres I and II both with subapical platellar sensilla, and a unique hindwing pattern with simple RP and biforked MP, CuA with two terminals only, and with A2 simple, reaching the posterior wing margin. The hindwing venation of this new tribe with RP with only one terminal and both MP and CuA with two terminals is unique in Achilidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of the Australian genus of Eurybrachidae (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha) Olonia Stål, 1862 are described from northern Queensland: O. albomarginata sp. nov., O. aschei sp. nov., O. jackiei sp. nov. and O. lindae sp. nov. Host plants and natural history data are documented and additional new records provided for O. guillaumei Constant, 2018, O. hochae Constant, 2018, O. picea Kirkaldy, 1906, O. rubicunda (Walker, 1851) and O. soulierae Constant, 2018. Trophobiosis is recorded for the first time in the genus, between a female of O. hochae and ants of the genus Camponotus Mayr, 1861 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), representing the second record of trophobiosis in Australian Eurybrachidae. The male terminalia of the new species are illustrated and photographs of collection and live specimens, distribution maps, biological data and an identification key are provided. The genus Olonia currently contains sixteen species.

Two new records of the genus Kamendaka Distant, K. aculeata Yang & Wu and K. annulata Yang & Wu, are recorded from Korea for the first time. The morphological information, such as the diagnosis of male habitus and genitalia, is provided with photographs, and a key to the Korean species of the genus Kamendaka is presented.

Wing dimorphism of insect vectors is a determining factor for viral long-distance dispersal and large-area epidemics. Although plant viruses affect the wing plasticity of insect vectors, the potential underlying molecular mechanisms have seldom been investigated. Here, we found that a planthopper-vectored rice virus, rice stripe virus (RSV), specifically induces a long-winged morph in male insects. The analysis of field populations demonstrated that the long-winged ratios of male insects are closely associated with RSV infection regardless of viral titers. A planthopper-specific and testis-highly expressed gene, Encounter, was fortuitously found to play a key role in the RSV-induced long-winged morph. Encounter resembles malate dehydrogenase in the sequence, but it does not have corresponding enzymatic activity. Encounter is upregulated to affect male wing dimorphism at early larval stages. Encounter is closely connected with the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway as a downstream factor of Akt, of which the transcriptional level is activated in response to RSV infection, resulting in the elevated expression of Encounter. In addition, an RSV-derived small interfering RNA directly targets Encounter to enhance its expression. Our study reveals an unreported mechanism underlying the direct regulation by a plant virus of wing dimorphism in its insect vectors, providing the potential way for interrupting viral dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for insects as biological control agents for the water primrose, the delphacid Pissonotus paraguayensis (Delphacidae) was found on Ludwigia grandiflora subsp. hexapetala (Onagraceae) in a wetland of Central East Argentina. The morphology of the unknown females (brachypterous and macropterous) and immature stages are described and illustrated. Adults and nymphs were collected in wetlands of Del Plata River Basin, from Buenos Aires to the northeastern part of Argentina. A rearing methodology was developed to perform biological studies. Both winged forms and structural features of the female genitalia are described for the first time at the genus level. Eggs and immature stages are described and keyed; fifth nymphal instars may be easily recognised by the yellowish colouration, blackish on dorsal of head, thorax and abdomen with conspicuous yellowish pits, ventrally only darkened on base of frons extended to lower level of eyes and dorsal surface of antennomeres I and II, and legs with distinctive black marks at femoro-tibial joint and apex. The geographical distribution is updated, expanding its range into Argentina, making Buenos Aires the southernmost limit of the genus in America. Biological information of the species is also reported here: life cycle, fecundity, oviposition behaviour, and host plant. Field observations showed that P. paraguayensis breeds, feeds, and causes damage to L. g. subsp. hexapetala. This delphacid presents a certain degree of specificity to the Ludwigia species in the Jussiaea section in host specificity tests. More studies are required to test this species as a potential biological control agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 Igava brachycephala Melichar, 1912 and Igava recurva 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the induction of plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in maize after the attack of two piercing-sucking maize hoppers: the specialist Dalbulus maidis and the oligophagous Peregrinus maidis. We analyzed VOCs in plants after feeding and oviposition by females of both species. We also contrasted VOCs induced by D. maidis males with those induced by females' infestation that comprised oviposition, to evaluate which VOC could be responsible for attracting an egg parasitoid. We quantified the damage performed by both hoppers and tested the behavioral response of the egg parasitoid Anagrus virlai to VOCs emitted by infested and healthy plants. Plants infested by D. maidis females released significantly more VOCs than the other treatments: healthy plants, plants infested by P. maidis females and plants infested by D. maidis males. β-Caryophyllene, α-bergamotene, β-farnesene and cis-3-hexenyl acetate dominated the volatile blend (46%) in plants infested by D. maidis females, while in those plants infested by P. maidis these compounds represented only 17%. Females of both hoppers inflicted a comparable amount of damage, in terms of feeding injuries and number of eggs laid. β-Caryophyllene and cis-3-hexenyl acetate were not induced in plants infested by D. maidis males, that had no oviposited eggs. Finally, females of the egg parasitoid oriented toward VOCs from plants infested by females of the specialist D. maidis, rather than those infested by the oligophagous P. maidis or those infested by D. maidis males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new planthopper species, Pseudosymplanella maxima sp. nov., belonging to the genus Pseudosymplanella (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Caliscelidae: Augilini), is described and illustrated, from China. In common with other Chinese Augilini, the new species feeds exclusively on bamboo. Additionally, a key to the two species of Pseudosymplanella is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Populations of the invasive spotted lanternfly in the eastern United States threaten vineyards and pose a public nuisance. Methods for control are being investigated, with an interest in mortality caused by insect-specific pathogens and naturally occurring predators. Two species of insect-pathogenic fungi caused extensive mortality in spotted lanternfly populations in fall 2018, and two additional fungal pathogens have been reported. Our extensive surveys, which emphasized a year with a summer drought, document that while Beauveria bassiana was most abundant, fifteen additional fungal pathogens killed spotted lanternflies. Although levels of infection for many pathogen species were low, infection was greatest in adults sampled in September and October, when spotted lanternfly reproduction occurs. Thus, we report an increased diversity of naturally occurring generalist fungal pathogens attacking this relatively new invasive planthopper. In the eastern United States, populations of the invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, are abundant and spreading. Four species of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi have previously been reported as infecting these planthoppers, with two of these causing epizootics. Nymphal- and adult-stage lanternflies in Pennsylvania and New York were surveyed for entomopathogenic fungal infections from October 2021 to November 2023, and assays were conducted to confirm the pathogenicity of species that were potentially pathogenic. Beauveria bassiana was the most abundant pathogen, but we report an additional 15 previously unreported species of entomopathogenic fungi infecting spotted lanternflies, all in the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota). The next most common pathogens were Fusarium fujikuroi and Sarocladium strictum. While infection prevalence by species was often low, probably impacted to some extent by the summer drought in 2022, together these pathogens caused a total of 6.7% mortality. A significant trend was evident over time within a season, with low levels of infection among nymphs and higher infection levels in mid- and late-stage adults, the stages when mating and oviposition occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species, Pentacarinus maculosus sp. nov. and Pentacarinus tenebrosus sp. nov., from Burmese amber are described. Alongside the type species P. kachinensis already described, they are easily distinguishable by the tegmina patterns. The diagnosis of the genus Pentacarinus is amended, notably with fusion of Pcu + A1 distad of forking CuA, the fork ScP + R approximately close to basal 1/5 of tegmen, basad of forking CuA, and only one transverse veinlet ir between RP and RA on forewings. Additionally, a key to these three species of Pentacarinus is provided.

The pandemic of Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) in and after the late 2000s caused serious yield losses in rice in Southeast and East Asia. This virus was first recorded in China in 2001, but its exclusive vector insect, Sogatella furcifera, occurred there before then. To clarify the evolutionary origin of SRBSDV as the first plant virus transmitted by S. furcifera, we tested virus transmission using three chronological strains of S. furcifera, two of which were established before the first report of SRBSDV. When the strains fed on SRBSDV-infected rice plants were transferred to healthy rice plants, those established in 1989 and 1999 transmitted the virus to rice similarly to the strain established in 2010. SRBSDV quantification by RT-qPCR confirmed virus accumulation in the salivary glands of all three strains. Therefore, SRBSDV transmission by S. furcifera was not caused by biological changes in the vector, but probably by the genetic change of the virus from a closely related Fijivirus, Rice black-streaked dwarf virus, as suggested by ecological and molecular biological comparisons between the two viruses. This result will help us to better understand the evolutionary relationship between plant viruses and their vector insects and to better manage viral disease in rice cropping in Asia.

The forkhead box O (FoxO) protein is the main transcriptional effector downstream of the insulin/insulin‐like signaling pathway and regulates many developmental and physiological processes. Holometabolous insects with loss‐of‐function mutations in FoxO exhibit phenotypes distinct from those of hemimetabolous insects in which RNA interference was used. Despite the functional importance of FoxO, whether hemimetabolous insects share an evolutionally conserved function of FoxO with holometabolous insects remains to be clarified. We used the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) genome editing‐system to establish a homozygous FoxO‐null mutant (NlFoxO4E) of the wing‐dimorphic brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens, an economically important insect pest of rice fields. The phenotypes of NlFoxO4E mutants included extended nymphal duration, shortened lifespan, reduced reproduction, and decreased stress resistance. In addition, depletion of NlFoxO promoted cell proliferation in wing buds and led to 100% long‐winged morphs, in stark contrast to short‐winged wild‐type BPHs. These findings indicate that NlFoxO is highly functionally conserved with its counterpart in holometabolous insects, and is required for optimal fitness of N. lugens. The insights from FoxO studies may facilitate the identification of potential target genes for BPH control applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The Australian genus of Eurybrachidae (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha) Kamabrachys gen. nov. is described to accommodate Platybrachys signata Distant, 1892 and Euronotobrachys plana Kirkaldy, 1906, the former being the type species. The new combinations Kamabrachys signata (Distant, 1892) gen. et comb. nov. and K. plana (Kirkaldy, 1906) gen. et comb. nov. are subsequently proposed. Ten new species are also included in the genus and described: K. andersoni gen. et sp. nov., K. brennani gen. et sp. nov., K. campbelli gen. et sp. nov., K. danielsi gen. et sp. nov., K. falcata gen. et sp. nov., K. fasciata gen. et sp. nov., K. pedemontana gen. et sp. nov., K. rieki gen. et sp. nov., K. v-carinatum gen. et sp. nov. and K. waineri gen. et sp. nov. The male and female genitalia of each species are illustrated and photographs of habitus, distribution maps, biological data and an identification key are provided. The mating behaviour of K. signata is described, illustrated and discussed. The genus Kamabrachys currently contains 12 species and is associated to trees in the family Myrtaceae.

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]

Recent reverse genetics technologies have enabled genetic manipulation of plant negative‐strand RNA virus (NSR) genomes. Here, we report construction of an infectious clone for the maize‐infecting Alphanucleorhabdovirus maydis, the first efficient NSR vector for maize. The full‐length infectious clone was established using agrobacterium‐mediated delivery of full‐length maize mosaic virus (MMV) antigenomic RNA and the viral core proteins (nucleoprotein N, phosphoprotein P, and RNA‐directed RNA polymerase L) required for viral transcription and replication into Nicotiana benthamiana. Insertion of intron 2 ST‐LS1 into the viral L gene increased stability of the infectious clone in Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. To monitor virus infection in vivo, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was inserted in between the N and P gene junctions to generate recombinant MMV‐GFP. Complementary DNA (cDNA) clones of MMV‐wild type (WT) and MMV‐GFP replicated in single cells of agroinfiltrated N. benthamiana. Uniform systemic infection and high GFP expression were observed in maize inoculated with extracts of the infiltrated N. benthamiana leaves. Insect vectors supported virus infection when inoculated via feeding on infected maize or microinjection. Both MMV‐WT and MMV‐GFP were efficiently transmitted to maize by planthopper vectors. The GFP reporter gene was stable in the virus genome and expression remained high over three cycles of transmission in plants and insects. The MMV infectious clone will be a versatile tool for expression of proteins of interest in maize and cross‐kingdom studies of virus replication in plant and insect hosts. [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]

A new genus Amphignokachinia Brysz & Szwedo, gen. n. and species Amphignokachinia subversa Brysz & Szwedo, sp. n. of Achilidae (Hemiptera) planthoppers of the tribe Amphignomini are described. It is the second genus and first fossil representative of the tribe Amphignomini coming from the Cenomanian amber in Kachin State, Myanmar. Diagnosis of the tribe is revised and its position in respect of fossils in the family Achilidae is discussed.

Planthopper infestation in rice causes direct and indirect damage through feeding and viral transmission. Host microbes and small RNAs (sRNAs) play essential roles in regulating biological processes, such as metabolism, development, immunity, and stress responses in eukaryotic organisms, including plants and insects. Recently, advanced metagenomic approaches have facilitated investigations on microbial diversity and its function in insects and plants, highlighting the significance of microbiota in sustaining host life and regulating their interactions with the environment. Recent research has also suggested significant roles for sRNA-regulated genes during rice–planthopper interactions. The response and behavior of the rice plant to planthopper feeding are determined by changes in the host transcriptome, which might be regulated by sRNAs. In addition, the roles of microbial symbionts and sRNAs in the host response to viral infection are complex and involve defense-related changes in the host transcriptomic profile. This review reviews the structure and potential functions of microbes and sRNAs in rice and the associated planthopper species. In addition, the involvement of the microbiota and sRNAs in the rice–planthopper–virus interactions during planthopper infestation and viral infection are discussed.

A new genus, Leptofloriagen. n., is erected; its type species Delphax leptosoma Flor, 1861 was previously placed in the genus Florodelphax Vilbaste, 1968 with the type species Delphax paryphasma Flor, 1861. Delphax paryphasma is returned to the genus Struebingianella W. Wagner, 1963; thus, Florodelphax is synonymized with this genus, and a new synonymy is established: Struebingianella W. Wagner, 1963 = Florodelphax Vilbaste, 1968, syn. n. Two new subgenera are described in the genus Unkanodes Fennah, 1956: Parapatesubgen. n. with the type species Calligypona latespinosa Dlabola, and Pliapatesubgen. n. with the type species Elymodelphax tanasijevici Dlabola. New species Thymalops erianthisp. n. from Middle Asia and Eurysa lugubrissp. n. from Middle Asia and the Caucasus are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus Amphignokachinia Brysz & Szwedo, gen. n. and species Amphignokachinia subversa Brysz & Szwedo, sp. n. of Achilidae (Hemiptera) planthoppers of the tribe Amphignomini are described. It is the second genus and first fossil representative of the tribe Amphignomini coming from the Cenomanian amber in Kachin State, Myanmar. Diagnosis of the tribe is revised and its position in respect of fossils in the family Achilidae is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Parandes Muir, 1925 (Cixiinae, Andini) is recorded from China for the first time with two new species, Parandes circinatus Wang & Chen sp. nov. and Parandes fuscus Wang & Chen sp. nov. Color images for the adults of the two new species and line drawings for the genitalia are provided. A key is presented to separate all species within the genus.

The interactions between insects and their plant host have been implicated in driving diversification of both players. Early arguments highlighted the role of ecological opportunity, with the idea that insects escape and radiate on new hosts, with subsequent hypotheses focusing on the interplay between host shifting and host tracking, coupled with isolation and fusion, in generating diversity. Because it is rarely possible to capture the initial stages of diversification, it is particularly difficult to ascertain the relative roles of geographic isolation versus host shifts in initiating the process. The current study examines genetic diversity between populations and hosts within a single species of endemic Hawaiian planthopper, Nesosydne umbratica (Hemiptera, Delphacidae). Given that the species was known as a host generalist occupying unrelated hosts, Clermontia (Campanulaceae) and Pipturus (Urticaceae), we set out to determine the relative importance of geography and host in structuring populations in the early stages of differentiation on the youngest islands of the Hawaiian chain. Results from extensive exon capture data showed that N. umbratica is highly structured, both by geography, with discrete populations on each volcano, and by host plant, with parallel radiations on Clermontia and Pipturus leading to extensive co-occurrence. The marked genetic structure suggests that populations can readily become established on novel hosts provided opportunity; subsequent adaptation allows monopolization of the new host. The results support the role of geographic isolation in structuring populations and with host shifts occurring as discrete events that facilitate subsequent parallel geographic range expansion.

Simple Summary: The three planthoppers, brown planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens), white-backed planthoppers (Sogatella furcifera), and small brown planthoppers (Laodelphax striatellus), are major economically important pests of rice. However, conventional morphology-based methods are inefficient in differentiating these pests at a species level. In this study, we report the successful design of species-specific primers and their use in general and multiplex PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, the widely used tools for molecular species diagnosis. Each primer comprised a species-specific sequence of at least 2-mer or more in both forward and reverse primers. The primers displayed high diagnostic efficiency in conventional and multiplex PCR. Furthermore, the LAMP performed at 61 °C for 30 min using the inner, loop, and species-specific primers confirmed the reactions and successfully identified the species. Here, we used the DNA-releasing technique (reported elsewhere) to obtain the DNA from the tissue samples of the insects. The DNA yield was sufficient to perform the conventional and multiplex PCRs and LAMP assays. Additionally, we demonstrate the high sensitivity of LAMP to achieve positive amplification using from 100 pg to 10 pg genomic DNA. Overall, the techniques can effectively diagnose the planthoppers in a large number of field-collected or individual samples. Asian planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) that include brown planthoppers (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens, Stål), white-backed planthoppers (WBPH, Sogatella furcifera, Horváth), and small brown planthoppers (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus, Fallén) are the primary sucking-type pests of rice. These three insects share morphological and sequence similarities. As insecticide resistance patterns and control strategies vary according to species, the accurate discrimination of these species is important. Here, we developed six species-specific primers based on partial mitochondrial genome sequences. The primers were successfully used in multiplex PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, and conventional PCR. Here, we used genomic DNA obtained using the DNA-releasing technique (tissue samples were incubated at 95 °C for 5 min with 30 μL nuclease-free water, and the supernatant was used). We showed that multiplex PCR could analyze the density of each species following a mass collection in the field; the LAMP assay can diagnose the species within 40 min; conventional PCR can be widely applied to a large number of field samples, as well as individuals or mass collections. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the potential of the species-specific primers and DNA-releasing technique for accurate multiplex PCR and LAMP assays, which may assist the intensive field monitoring of integrated management of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive zinc (Zn) is toxic to plants, but the effect of zinc-stressed plants on herbivorous insects is still unclear. Hence, we assessed the effect of zinc-stressed rice plants on its feeding pest, Nilaparvata lugens. The soil–rice–N. lugens system was treated with Zn2+ solution. Sugar content in rice was measured, and the reproduction and trehalose metabolism in N. lugens were assessed. The trehalase activity in rice significantly decreased at 100 mg·kg−1 Zn2+, and the trehalose content increased. The glucose and starch content increased at higher Zn2+ concentrations. The fecundity and trehalose content of N. lugens decreased after feeding on zinc-stressed rice, and the glucose content in the high Zn2+ group was significantly higher than that in the low Zn2+ group. In addition, the soluble trehalase activity of N. lugens significantly decreased under the 125 mg·kg−1 treatment, while the activity of membrane-bound trehalase significantly increased under the 150 mg·kg−1 treatment. Quantitative RT-PCR indicated significantly lower expressions of NlTre1-1, NlTre2, and NITps after Zn treatment. In conclusion, Zn2+ treatment significantly altered the sugar content in rice plants; it also decreased the fecundity of N. lugens, which may be mediated by alterations in trehalose metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives Orosanga japonica (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) is an invasive and polyphagous pest in the Palearctic region collected and reported from the northern part of Iran on citrus orchards in 2010. Nymphs and adults of the pest cause economic and critical damage to different plants by direct feeding and heavy deposits of honeydew on leaves. Despite various management practices, successful control of this pest has been difficult due to its rapid development and reproduction rate. Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), has been extensively researched for its ability to manage a variety of insect pests and appears to be a potential alternative to conventional insecticides. Material and Methods In the present study, in the course of a forest survey in the distribution areas of O. japonica in Mazandaran province, larvae were infected with some native isolates of fungal mycelia were observed. After morphological and molecular identification, two fungal-infected specimens were confirmed as B. bassiana. Fungal collections were characterized by amplifying and sequencing the ITS region of rDNA using primers ITS1 and ITS4. The susceptibility of adults of O. japonica to two EPFs isolates was evaluated using the leaf dipping method and the direct spraying method under laboratory conditions. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (SAS, 2002) with insect mortality as the response variable. Means were separated at alpha=0.01 using Duncan's test. The LC50 and LC90 values of EPFs and the mean lethal times of LT50 were estimated by Probit analysis using SPSS Statistics 17.0 Results Two different fungal isolates presented white to cream colonies with irregular edges and powdery appearance, reproductive structures, and conidia with typical morphology, size, and color of B. bassiana species. The mean lethal concentration values (LC50) of isolate 1 and isolate 2 to were 4.00 × 106 and 3.3 × 106 conidia ml-1 (leaf dipping method) and 5.4 × 106 and 4.7× 106 conidia ml-1 (direct spraying method) on the adults of O. japonica respectively in the laboratory tests after 96 h post treatments, at 25°C and 60% relative humidity. The similarities of the ITS sequences of both two EPFs were 99-100% to those of B. bassiana in the GenBank database. Conclusion The natural pathogens of pests have long been known to play a significant role in the population dynamics of many important forest pests and provide assistance to manage pests and develop tools for management. Fungal diversity in the moist and temperate Hyrcanian forests can vary widely due to diverse ecological conditions. Generally, these findings could help establish an efficient management strategy for O. japonica as an invasive pest and the development of mycoinsecticide from an indigenous fungus. Future research could investigate the effect of other native EPF isolates and developing techniques in fungal formulation against O. japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), invaded the eastern United States in 2014 and has since caused economic and ecological disruption. In particular, spotted lanternfly has shown itself to be a significant pest of vineyards and ornamental plants and is likely to continue to spread to new areas. Factors that have contributed to its success as an invader include its wide host range and high mobility, which allow it to infest a wide range of habitats, including agricultural, urban, suburban, and managed and natural forested areas. Management is dependent on chemical use, although no single currently available control measure alone will be sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhabdovirus glycoproteins (G) serve multifunctional roles in virus entry, assembly, and exit from animal cells. We hypothesize that maize mosaic virus (MMV) G is required for invasion, infection, and spread in Peregrinus maidis , the planthopper vector. Using a membrane-based yeast two-hybrid assay, we identified 107 P. maidis proteins that physically interacted with MMV G, of which approximately 53% matched proteins with known functions including endocytosis, vesicle-mediated transport, protein synthesis and turnover, nuclear export, metabolism and host defense. Physical interaction networks among conserved proteins indicated a possible cellular coordination of processes associated with MMV G translation, protein folding and trafficking. Non-annotated proteins contained predicted functional sites, including a diverse array of ligand binding sites. Cyclophilin A and apolipophorin III co-immunoprecipitated with MMV G, and each showed different patterns of localization with G in insect cells. This study describes the first protein interactome for a rhabdovirus spike protein and insect vector. • Rhabdovirus glycoproteins (G) serve multifunctional roles in virus entry, assembly, and exit. • An MbY2H screen identified 107 Peregrinus maidis proteins that interact with maize mosaic virus G. • Proteins involved in endocytosis, vesicle-mediated transport, nuclear export, and host defense interacted with MMV G. • CypA and ApoLpIII co-immunoprecipitated with MMV G and showed patterns of localization with G in insect cells. • This study describes the first protein interactome for a rhabdovirus spike protein and insect vector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Remote sensing data supports research on reclaimed post-mining sites. • Key factors affecting SOC, TN, and SWS in post-mining ecosystems were identified. • DTM significantly impacts SOC, while TN is mainly influenced by NIR and NDVI. • TWI and CHM are particularly important for SWS assessment in post-mining ecosystems. The estimation of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Soil Water Storage (SWS) is crucial in comprehending ecosystem services and environmental sustainability. It plays a crucial role in guiding sustainable restoration strategies and supporting the long-term health of post-mining sites. Remote sensing technology provides valuable tools for modelling and mapping soil properties in reclaimed post-mining sites efficiently and cost-effectively. This study aimed to utilize remote sensing data to estimate SOC, TN, and SWS in a reclaimed post-mining site. Field data was collected from 130 research plots to obtain reference data for SOC, TN, and SWS from the Sonica hard coal post-mine spoil heap. Remote sensing data were: airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds and Planets cope satellite imageries. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) were used to develop predictive models. Wall-to-wall predictions of analyzed variables were performed. The results identified topographic and remote sensing indicators that significantly influence SOC, TN, and SWS. Digital Terrain Model (DTM), aspect, and blue spectral band are variables that explain SOC storage, with a significant influence of DTM, ranging from −8 to 18 Mg ha−1. TN was explained by DTM, Canopy Height Model (CHM), blue and Near Infrared (NIR) spectral bands, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), mainly influenced by NIR and NDVI, ranging from −1.1 to 0.8 and −0.9 to 1.4 Mg ha−1, respectively. The values of Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), aspect, CHM, blue and NIR spectral bands explained SWS, highlighting their importance in assessing soil water dynamics in post-mining landscapes, with TWI and CHM being particularly influential, ranging from −2 to 5.1 and −6 to 2 mm, respectively. However, caution is advised when predicting SOC and TN using remote sensing in post-mining sites due to geogenic carbon considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the eastern United States, populations of the invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, are abundant and spreading. Four species of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi have previously been reported as infecting these planthoppers, with two of these causing epizootics. Nymphal- and adult-stage lanternflies in Pennsylvania and New York were surveyed for entomopathogenic fungal infections from October 2021 to November 2023, and assays were conducted to confirm the pathogenicity of species that were potentially pathogenic. Beauveria bassiana was the most abundant pathogen, but we report an additional 15 previously unreported species of entomopathogenic fungi infecting spotted lanternflies, all in the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota). The next most common pathogens were Fusarium fujikuroi and Sarocladium strictum. While infection prevalence by species was often low, probably impacted to some extent by the summer drought in 2022, together these pathogens caused a total of 6.7% mortality. A significant trend was evident over time within a season, with low levels of infection among nymphs and higher infection levels in mid- and late-stage adults, the stages when mating and oviposition occur.

A new planthopper genus, Gigasanalis Long & Chen gen. nov. (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Achilidae, Achilinae, Achilini) is established from South China (Hainan Province). A new species, Gigasanalis jianfenglingensis Long & Chen sp. nov., is described and illustrated.

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of one Iolania perkinsi (Kirkaldy 1902) and one Oliarus cf. filicicola (Kirkaldy 1909) planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Cixiidae) from Volcano Village, located on the eastern flank of Mauna Loa. The I. perkinsi complete mitogenome is 14,949 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs. The O. cf. filicicola nearly complete mitogenome is 15,196 bp in length due to an expanded (but incomplete) control region, and contains all of the typical metazoan genes: 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs and two rRNAs. Relative to the inferred ancestral gene order of insect mitochondrial genomes, no rearrangements were identified in either species. In addition to the shorter control region in I. perkinsi, the differences between the two mitogenomes consist of longer cox1, cox2, cob, nad1, nad5, nad6 genes but shorter nad4 gene in I. perkinsi relative to O. cf. filicicola. These mitogenomes represent the first sequences from species within the Hawaiian Cixiidae. The sequence data here will provide a foundation for continued studies of speciation patterns and dynamics of evolutionary radiation across Hawaiian planthoppers.

The second species of Saltissus, as the first mimarachnid planthopper, is herein described from the upper Weald Clay Formation, Smokejacks brickworks, England. Saltissus fennahi Luo, Liu et Jarzembowski sp. nov. can be distinguished from the type species Saltissus eskovi Shcherbakov, 2007 due to the tegmen being more than 20 mm long, stem Pc+CP merged with margin at less than 1/10th of tegmen length, stem ScP+R forked beyond the fusion of Pcu+A1, and branch A1 curved strongly at base. The distribution and tegminal colour pattern of Mimarachnidae are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effects of yellow traps of different tones against Agalmatium bilobum (Fieber, 1877) (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhycha: Issidae: Hysteropterinae) in almond orchards in Yurtbaşı District of Elazığ Province between May to July of 2018. In this study, planthopper individuals were caught in eight different yellow-toned traps and counted for 14 days. It has been determined that most planthopper individuals were attracted by the yellow color tone with trap codes 1016 (4) and 0279 (5). It is considered that this color tone is mostly effective for the attraction of A. bilobum in almond orchards. Accordingly, positive results can be obtained from using this kind of yellow tone trap by the producers to prevent the harm of A. bilobum to almonds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report related to the capture effect of yellow sticky traps on the Issidae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Conomelus anceps (planthopper; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Delphacidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 957.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.98 kilobases in length., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2024 Moran S et al.)

The homeotic complex gene Abdominal‐B (Abd‐B) is involved in regulating the development of posterior abdomens and has been extensively studied in holometabolous insects. However, the function of Abd‐B in hemimetabolous insects is not fully understood. Here, we functionally characterize an Abd‐B homologue in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. The full‐length cDNA of the N. lugens Abd‐B homologue (NlAbd‐B) is 2334 nt, with an open reading frame of 1113 bp. NlAbd‐B has the highest expression level at the egg stage relative to the nymphal and adult stages and is mainly expressed in the fourth to the ninth abdominal segment of embryos. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated knockdown of NlAbd‐B in nymphs disrupted the development of genitalia both in females and males and caused a genitalia‐to‐leg transformation. Parental RNAi of NlAbd‐B in both female and male adults caused an extra abdominal segment in offspring nymphs, while parental RNAi of the N. lugens abdominal‐A homologue in both female and males adults led to embryos with leg‐like appendages on the second to the eighth abdominal segment. These findings suggest that NlAbd‐B plays a pivotal role in genital development and posterior abdominal patterning and thus highlight the conservational role of Abd‐B in holometabolous and hemimetabolous insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), was first detected in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since expanded its range to ten more states. Since fall 2017, we have found L. delicatula killed by Beauveria bassiana in multiple counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Mycoinsecticides containing strains of entomopathogenic fungi are commercialised worldwide and could be a tool for managing L. delicatula populations. In 2020 we conducted laboratory bioassays on L. delicatula using five mycoinsecticides, including four strains of B. bassiana and one strain of Cordyceps javanica. Mycoinsecticides were directly applied to all L. delicatula nymphal instars and adults at three different stages of reproductive maturity. All B. bassiana mycoinsecticides were effective at killing L. delicatula under optimal conditions in the laboratory. Lycorma delicatula nymphs exposed to B. bassiana mycoinsecticides displayed mean survival times of 6.3–6.9 days and 90–93% mortality after 14 days, and adults displayed mean survival times of 7.2–9.8 days with 82–99% mortality after 14 days. PFR-97 killed L. delicatula at a slower rate than all B. bassiana mycoinsecticides tested with 43–57% mortality after 14 days. Adult L. delicatula males died significantly faster than females for all treatments except BioCeres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]