Study on classification and new findings on Hemiptera insects
The study of Hemiptera insects plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural management. These insects not only participate in pollination but also help control natural pests, maintaining balance in agricultural ecosystems. Notably, the suborder Auchenorrhyncha and families such as Pentatomidae and Miridae play an important role in controlling insect-borne diseases. Understanding the structure and function of these insect communities aids in developing more effective ecological management methods, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, while protecting the environment and human health.
In Vietnam, during 2022 and 2023, the research team led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Thai from the Central Scientific Research Institute collaborated with Chungnam National University, the Republic of Korea, on the project: "Research on Pest Insects and Biological Control Agents of the Hemiptera Order (Insecta: Hemiptera) in Vietnam and the Republic of Korea" (Code: QTKR01.02/22-23). This project is part of a bilateral cooperation program between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). The study focuses on harmful insects and biological control agents, compiling a list of recorded species in national parks and conservation areas in Central Vietnam. Collaboration between domestic researchers and international experts ensures accuracy and reliability, contributing significantly to the conservation and development of biological resources in Vietnam.
The project leader exchanges information at the laboratory of Chungnam National University, the Republic of Korea
Field investigation and research
From classification to new discoveries
Within the research framework, the team compiled a catalog of Hemiptera species and natural enemies from 650 samples collected in Vietnam. Preliminary taxonomic studies were also conducted on pest and predator species in the Republic of Korea and Vietnam. Specifically, 125 species across various families were identified; morphological data for each pest and natural enemy group were established, allowing the team to list predator species with potential as natural biological control agents. They discovered and announced one new genus and four new species, including two cicada species (Platylomia minhi Luu & Pham, 2022 and Macrosemia sapaensis Luu & Pham, 2022), one Miridae species (Liocapsus vietnamensis Kim et Jung, 2024), and one new genus and species in the Nabidae family (Cretanabis kerzhneri Kim & Jung, 2023).
Images of the four newly discovered species published as part of the project
Additionally, the team identified 36 natural enemy species with roles in biological control, belonging to families such as Reduviidae, Miridae, Nabidae and Pentatomidae. These species have potential applications in biological control programs. The research team published four related scientific papers, including one in an international SCIE-indexed journal, one international journal with an ISSN code, and two papers in reputable domestic journals. These publications not only enhance the value of the research results but also lay a foundation for developing a taxonomy database of insects in Vietnam.
The research team aims to continue building a molecular biology database based on morphological information for identified species, facilitating accurate classification and identification of Hemiptera insects. This database will be developed at the Insect Taxonomy Laboratory of Chungnam National University, the Republic of Korea, through DNA extraction of identified samples. The combination of morphological and molecular data will enable the team to further identify pest species and potential natural enemies within the Hemiptera order in Vietnam and the Republic of Korea, optimizing future natural biological control programs.
Translated by Phuong Huyen
Link to Vietnamese version
