Morphological reassessment of the movable calcar of delphacid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae)

Abstract

This study presents the morphology of calcar in adult Delphacidae based on representatives of the genera Ugyops Guérin-Meneville, 1834, Notuchus Fennah, 1969 (Ugyopini), Asiraca Latreille, 1798 (Asiracini), Kelisia Fieber, 1866, (Kelisini), Stenocranus Fieber, 1866 (Stenocranini), Chloriona Fieber, 1866, Megadelphax Wagner, 1963, Muellerianella Wagner, 1963, Javesella Fennah, 1963, Conomelus Fieber, 1866, Euconomelus Haupt, 1929, Hyledelphax Vilbaste, 1968, Stiroma Fieber, 1866, Struebingianella Wagner, 1963 and Xanthodelphax Wagner, 1963 (Delphacini). We used SEM electron microscopy, to define seven types of calcar structure (Types 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) based on combinations of characters including shape, number of teeth and differentiation of sensory structures in species from fifteen genera. Additionally, two other types (Types 3 and 4) were determined based on the calcar descriptions from previous studies. Similarities and differences in calcar structure and function were discussed and emerging relationships between planthopper species and their particular habitats were indicated.