New species of lanternflies found in Vietnam and Cambodia 2024

Four new species belonging to the genus Zanna Kirkaldy, 1902 have been identified: two from Cambodia, namely Z. chartieri Constant sp. nov. found in Tatai, Koh Kong Province, and Z. limbourgiConstant sp. nov. discovered in Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary in Kampong Speu Province and Kbal Spean, Siem Reap Province. Additionally, two species from Vietnam were recognized: Z. bidoupana sp. nov. from Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong Province, and Z. kusamae sp. nov. from Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve in Dong Nai Province. The paper includes illustrations of the holotypes and male genitalia, images of live specimens and nymphs, a map depicting their distribution, and records of host plants. For comparative purposes, the type specimen of Zanna chinensis (Distant, 1893) is also illustrated. The genus Zanna now comprises a total of 37 species.

If you encounter a spotted lanternfly in the United States, experts suggest you eliminate it immediately, without any hesitation. This invasive species is now present in 17 states after it was likely transported from its native habitat in Asia to Pennsylvania in 2014, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Spotted lanternflies can cause significant damage to vegetation by feeding on leaves and leaving behind a sticky fluid that encourages mold growth.

Recently, some of their relatives have been identified as new species in their original East Asian territories. In Vietnam and Cambodia, researchers combed through the edges of grassy clearings searching for lanternflies, as detailed in a study published on September 25 in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Taxonomy. They found these insects resting on leaves and stems, feeding on plants and “leaving characteristic white wax deposits on the stems,” the researchers noted. These lanternflies belong to the genus Zanna and exhibit neutral body colors with black spots adorning their upper wings and bodies, according to the study. However, each of the four new species also has distinctive characteristics.

Zanna bidoupana was located within Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Vietnam. It was caught near a grassy area of a field station utilizing a vapor light trap, according to the researchers.

The pattern on this species inspired its name, as it pays tribute to the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, whose artwork is famously dotted, resembling the pattern found on the body of this insect,” the researchers stated. This particular species has a head that constitutes 39% of its total body length, paired with slightly darker hindwings. It was found perched on a leaf of a short plant along a gravel road adjacent to the clearing around a field station in Dong Nai, Vietnam, as per the study.

Another species possesses the largest head among the four, making up 43% of the total body length. Its body features smaller and more closely arranged black dots, giving it a lighter overall coloration, according to the findings. The location where this species was identified displayed considerable human activity and was significantly disturbed at the moment the insect was observed clinging to a tree trunk. All four new species were discovered in the southern regions of Vietnam and western Cambodia. Although they do not belong to the same genus, all are part of the family Fulgoridae, which includes the spotted lanternfly, or planthoppers.

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