Discovery of two new planthopper species belonging to Tropiduchidae family, order Hemiptera

The newly discovered species are Connelicita bachmaensis and Connelicita phongdienensis, named after Bach Ma National Park and the Phong Dien Center for Natural Resources Conservation and Rescue under the Vietnam National Museum of Nature, where these species were recorded. The species Connelicita haiphongensis, first discovered on Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong, has now been identified in Bach Ma National Park. Both species inhabit subtropical evergreen forests. Notably, C. bachmaensis primarily resides in the forests of Bach Ma and the Ba Na-Nui Chua Nature Reserve, at altitudes ranging from 150 to 600 meters. These areas lie at the intersection of the northern lowland rainforest and southern tropical rainforest ecosystems in Vietnam, creating a rich and diverse habitat for insects. As for C. haiphongensis, initially only recorded on Cat Ba Island, it has now also been found on the mainland in evergreen forests of the Indochinese ecosystem, mainly in low-altitude areas.

Morphological characteristics

The species Connelicita bachmaensis is medium-sized, with a body length of approximately 12.56 mm for males and 13.60 mm for females. The head is narrower than the thorax, and the crown is longer than the eyes, giving it an elongated and distinctive shape. The crown is brown with a pale yellow central stripe, and its edges curve gently. The spherical eyes are slightly protruding and dotted with brown spots, creating a sharp and attractive appearance. The forewings are transparent with a brown spot in the center, aiding in camouflage among leaves. The hindwings are slightly translucent with faint black veins and rounded tips, supporting efficient flight in dense forest environments.

The species Connelicita bachmaensis

The species Connelicita phongdienensis individuals have a light brown head and body with small black spots, though darker at prominent points such as the crown and edges of the eyes. The forewings feature a complex venation system with parallel veins branching at defined points, creating distinctive patterns visible under light. Connelicita haiphongensis has been recorded in various reserves and national parks in northern Vietnam, expanding its distribution from the island to nearby provinces such as Vinh Phuc, Hoa Binh and Ninh Binh.

The species Connelicita haiphongensis

Scientific and conservation value

This study not only adds two species of the genus Connelicita to Vietnam’s fauna, raising the national total to four species, but also extends the genus's range southward. However, a gap of over 500 km remains between these regions without new records of Connelicita species in the northern half of central Vietnam, opening up possibilities for the discovery of more species in the future. While the new species can be easily differentiated through their genitalia, their external morphology is highly similar. Therefore, it is recommended not to rely solely on external images to identify species. Scientists advise against identifying insects at the species level unless there are high-quality photographs of the genitalia of the specimens.

The discovery and description of these two new species contribute to the understanding of Southeast Asia's tropical fauna, playing a significant role in ecological conservation studies. Detailed information on the morphology and habitats of these species will aid scientists in developing effective conservation strategies, especially as their habitats face threats from exploitation and climate change. The diversity of the Tropiduchidae family in Vietnam also provides useful information for monitoring changes in natural ecosystems.

The research results were published in the journal ZooKeys.