Taxonomy and genetic diversity of rice earhead bugs, Leptocorisa spp. (Hemiptera: Alydidae) from India.

In India, rice earhead bugs commonly known as paddy gundhi bugs, Leptocorisa spp. (Hemiptera: Alydidae), are serious pests, but their taxonomic status and genetic diversity across different rice-growing regions are unexplored. Present study documents three Leptocorisa species across the Indian subcontinent from paddy as well as other hosts. A total of 1560 specimens were collected across India and morphological and molecular identification was made. Illustrated identification keys specific to males and females were generated for the first time from India with a redescription of three species collected. Genetic variation in the mtCOI gene of L. oratoria specimens from 14 regions were analysed showing significant diversity, especially between the populations from north and south. The current findings confirm the presence of diversity in the Leptocorisa populations and the presence of molecular variability of L. oratoria from different locations. The implications of the study on the importance of taxonomic studies on the species belongs to genera Leptocorisa are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]