Fulgoridae Africa

In 1994 Thierry Porion published Fulgoridae 1, an illustrated catalogue of the new world Fulgoride. Two years later saw the publication of Fulgoridae 2, covering the Asian species. Now over 25 years since those publications, there still remains no comprehensive illustrated reference on the African species. This guide aims to temporarily fill that void until a more complete work is published.

All described continental African Fulgoridae are included, excluding the South African Orgeriine-like subfamilies Lyncidinae and Strongtlodematinae which are treated comprehensively by Fennah 1962 and 1967. The fauna of Madagascar, which is covered in detail in Constant 2004 and 2014, is also not treated here. 108 species in total are listed, of which photos or illustrations have been provided for 66 of them (over 60%) and descriptions are provided for 83 (over 75%). A rough distribution is given for 99 species, but keep in mind that these distributions are influenced by historical collecting bias and are likely incomplete.

Most specimen photos are from the National History Museum London and from the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin except where specified. Original descriptions and English translations are autogenerated from the source text, and may contain transcription or translation errors. Links to all available publications are given in the References section below.

If you have an interest in African Fulgoridae and would like to help in the improvement of this guide, there are many ways to do so:

• help me track down and scan missing publications, which are listed in the section "Publications I can't find" at the bottom of this page. Lallemand 1959 is a particularly pivotal work which would help progress the understanding of African Fulgoridae.
• photograph museum specimens and collections of African fulgorid species.
• help provide better translations for species descriptions. The descriptions in this guide have been autogenerated from images of page scans and translations have also been automated using Google Translate. In most cases, these translations are insufficient, as the software often misreads words (especially itallic words), and the translation often does not do a good job translating entomological terms. Many of these descriptions can therefore be improved via human input.
• look for and photograph African fulgorids in the wild!

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, improvements, or feedback relating to this guide, or if you wish to subscribe to updates, please refer to the following journal post:

https://www.inaturalist.org/journal/psyllidhipster/77530-fulgoridae-africa-a-guide-to-the-african-lanternfly-fauna



Overview of subfamilies
The African fauna is represented by six subfamilies: Zanninae, Xosopharinae, Aphaeninae, Dichopterinae, Lyncidinae and Strongtlodematinae. The latter two subfamilies consist of tiny brachypterous species which were previously treated under the Dictyopharidae; their inclusion in the Fulgoridae is somewhat controversial and has not been tested, and they are not included in this guide. The subfamily Poiocerinae, well represented throughout the rest of the world, is entirely absent in Africa, as is the American subfamily Amyclinae.


Zanninae
The subfamily Zanninae, consisting of the single genus Zanna, is well represented throughout continental Africa. There are 23 described species in the region, which I divide here into 4 artificial groups as defined below. The purpose of these groups is to relate morphologically similar species; they do not not necessarily represent valid taxonomic units.

Figure 1. A. Zanna tenebrosa, B. Zanna clavaticeps, C. Zanna pustulosa, D. Zanna punctata

The Zanna tenebrosa Group (fig 1A) includes those species with robust cephalic processes which are more or less parallel-sided to the apex, and black hindwings. The group includes Zanna tenebrosa, Zanna natalensis, and Zanna bacula, though Linnavuori 1973 casually refers to natalensis as a synonym of tenebrosa. I also tentatively refer Zanna flammea to this group, though its cephalic process is distinctly shorter than the other species included. The group is widespread and common throughout Africa.

The Zanna clavaticeps Group (fig 1B) is a small group containing species with the apex of the cephalic process distinctly clavate and with well defined yellow stripes along the carinae of the of the cephalic process. The hindwings are black with distinctive pale areas basally. The group includes just two species, Zanna clavaticeps and Zanna turrita.

The Zanna pustulosa Group (fig 1C) includes species with a relatively short, dorsally concave and apically blunt cephalic process. The hindwings are dark, though often becoming paler apically in most species. The group includes Zanna pustulosa, Zanna noduligera, Zanna rendalli, and Zanna wrougtoni; Zanna basibrunnea is also tentatively referred here.

The Zanna punctata Group (fig 1D) includes those species with very long cephalic processes and pale hindwings. Species in this group include Zanna punctata, Zanna capensis, Zanna westwoodi, Zanna intricata, Zanna ascendens, Zanna beieri, Zanna ornata, and Zanna chopardi; Zanna schweizeri may also belong here. The group is widespread but appears to be particularly diverse in South and East Africa. The species in this group most closely resemble the Asian members of the genus.

Several other species (Zanna angolana, Zanna bouriezi, and Zanna soni) are unknown to me and have not been referred to a group.


Xosopharinae
Recent molecular testing suggests that this may be one of the most basal lineages of Fulgoridae. A few genera, mostly confined to South and East Africa, are represented in the region. The wings are narrow and densely reticulated, and the eyes are distinctly striped. I include here the genus Capenariana on the basis of morphological characters, though it's subfamily placement has not been formally declared in any publication. The genus Omalocephala (Aphaeninae) is superficially similar but not included in this subfamily; it can easily be distinguished by the broad pale costal area of the forewings. The head and thorax of each African genus is illustrated below.

Fig 2. A. Capenariana, B. Mantosyna, C. Xosophara, D. Eningia. Image credits: A,C: © Peter Vos, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC). B: © Billi Krochuk, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC). D: © Robert Copeland, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)

Dichopterinae
This subfamily includes Dictyopharid-like species with hyaline wings, and was previously treated as a part of that family. Mostly absent from Africa, but the middle eastern genus Dorysarthrus includes a single species which ranges into Egypt.

Aphaeninae
All other macropterous African fulgorids belong to this subfamily, which is diverse and well represented in Africa. The cephalic process is absent or negligible in most genera (except in Pyrgoteles (=Druentia)), but the shape of the head and carinae on the head and thorax can often be useful for diagnosing genera. The head and thorax of all genera excluding Novodictya are pictured below. In the case of the genera Benamatapa and Calmar, illustrations are used in the absence of good specimen photos, and may thus be prone to inaccuracies.

Fig 3. A. Eddara, B. Metaphaena, C. Malfeytia, D. Anecphora

Fig 4. A. Hypselometopum, B. Holodictya, C. Congodictya, D. Coelodictya. Image credits: C, D: CONSTANT J., 2018. - Congodictya taymansi gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species of Afrotropical lanternfly related to Coelodictya Jacobi, 1910 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae).Belgian Journal of Entomology, 74: 1–17.

Fig 5. A. Rhicnophloea (image © Tommy Andriollo, some rights reserved (CC-BY)), B. Pyrgoteles (=Druentia), C. Omalocephala

Fig 6. A. Calmar (from Signoret 1850), B. Benamatapa (from Melichar 1912)

General guidance for the identification of African fulgoridae on iNaturalist

In general I recommend using this guide to identify African Fulgorids to GENUS LEVEL only except in circumstances in which all of the members of a genus are known. Please also keep in mind that it is extremely likely that there are far more than the 108 currently described African species. As more taxa are better understood the confidence of identification will increase. Please use this guide to supplement original descriptions, and not in place of them; in many cases diagnostic features may not be immediately apparent from specimens alone, and the specimen photos for several species are of unfortunately regretful quality. Please also take in mind the recorded distribution for species; Africa is a large continent, and most species are geographically restricted to certain parts of it. A species found in Cameroon is likely not the same species as one found in South Africa even if they look superficially similar.



Taxon specific guidance for the identification of African fulgoridae on iNaturalist

Zanna: this is a complex genus with many species, and every species has at least one similar species. While it is relatively easy to identify Zanna to a group of similar species, I do not recommend identifying Zanna beyond genus level in most cases.

Capenariana: should not be identified beyond genus level until the genus is better understood.

Eningia: there is a single described species from South Africa, but an observation from East Africa leads me to believe there may be undescribed species. Individuals from South Africa can probably be safely identified to species

Xosophara: Easily identified to genus but South African Xosophara should not be identified beyond genus until we have an understanding of what X. elongata looks like.

Mantosyna: monotypic genus with no similar species, can be safely identified.

Omalocephala: the two African species are easily identified and occur on different parts of the continent

Rhicnophloea: a few species are distinctive and can be identified to species, but there may be undescribed species as well. The genus as a whole is easily identified by it's square-ish head and apically broadened wings.

Metaphaena: in general I do not recommend identifying this genus to species level without seeing the hindwings, except in certain circumstances. It is also very important to note that not all Metaphaena have spots on the thorax, and the absence of spots is not good enough to exclude this genus. A more reliable character is the presence of spots on the hindwings.

Novidictya: this is the only genus I have not seen.

Anecphora: descriptions are available for every species in the genus, but this is a complex genus and many species look superficially similar. I dot recommend identifying Anecphora beyond genus without sufficient study in most cases.

Calmar: monotypic genus with a single easily identified species

Coelodictya and Congodictya: refer to Constant 2018 for guidance on how to differentiate these genera.

Eddara: a few members of this genus are fairly distinctive and can be easily identified to species. The genus is easily recognizable by its very wide head.

Holodictya: a few members of this genus are fairly distinctive, but most should probably be identified to genus level only for now.

Malfeytia: there will undoubtedly be confusion between this genus and Metaphaena, especially the Metaphaena species which do not have spots on the head or thorax; the hindwings color and presence or absence of spots may allow the genera to be differentiated. Further action is not recommended until the genus is better understood.

Druentia and Pyrgoteles: these genera represent a single genus, but it is unclear which one is the valid name. Nast (1977) attempted to clarify the situation by stating that the genus Druentia was erected erroneously based on misidentified South American material and was therefore a synonym of Enchophora, subsequently moving the species previously included in Druentia to Pyrgoteles. According to Nast, African species previously identified as Druentia variegata were referable to Druentia cristatus Karsch, which he moved to the genus Pyrgoteles along with all other Druentia. Curiously, FLOW recognizes most but not all of these changes, with sicca, variegata, and maculata included in Druentia despite all 3 being addressed by Nast. This appears to be an oversight, but it nonetheless has created a confusing taxonomic situation especially in regards to how to identify members of this group on iNaturalist. The genus Druentia should probably be synonomized with Pyrgoteles, but the situation should be discussed before taking further action.

Benamatapa: I have seen no good examples of this genus yet to suggest a protocol.

Dorysarthrus: this is a middle eastern genus with a single species that reaches northern Africa; it should be easily identifiable.



References

Bolivar I. 1879 - Hemipteros nuevos del Museo de Madrid. Anales de la Sociedad Espanola de Historia Natural. Madrid 8: 133-146. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/35688#page/135/mode/1up

Constant J., 2018. - Congodictya taymansi gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species of Afrotropical lanternfly related to Coelodictya Jacobi, 1910 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae).Belgian Journal of Entomology, 74: 1–17 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326734932_Congodictya_taymansi_gen_et_sp_nov_a_new_genus_and_species_of_Afrotropical_lanternfly_related_to_Coelodictya_Jacobi_1910_Hemiptera_Fulgoromorpha_Fulgoridae

de Bergevin E. 1923 - Descriptions of two new species Hemiptera Homoptera of Egypt. Bulletin de la Société d'Histoire Naturelle de l'Afrique du Nord. Alger XIV: 173-176. https://flow.hemiptera-databases.org/flow/?page=explorer&db=flow&lang=en&card=publication&id=2778

Distant W. L. 1878 - Descriptions of new species of Hemiptera-Homoptera. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1878: 321-324. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/12552516#page/351/mode/1up

Distant W. L. 1893 - On the Homopterous genus Pyrops, with descriptions of two new species. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1893: 443-449. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/50995#page/479/mode/1up

Distant W. L. 1899 - On some South-African Homoptera. Annals and Magazine of Natural History. London. (Ser. 7) 4: 113-115. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/25124427#page/129/mode/1up

Distant W. L. 1905 - Rhynchotal notes xxxvi. Annals and Magazine of Natural History. London. (Ser. 7) 16: 553-567. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/63348#page/604/mode/1up

Distant W. L. 1906 - Rhynchotal notes xxxviii. Annals and Magazine of Natural History. London. (Ser. 7) 18: 18-32. https://flow.hemiptera-databases.org/flow/?page=explorer&db=flow&lang=en&card=publication&id=630

Distant W. L. 1906 - Rhynchotal notes xxxix. Annals and Magazine of Natural History. London. (Ser. 7) 18: 191-208. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/208792#page/217/mode/1up

Distant W. L. 1907 - Inxwala, Johannesburgia, gen. n, with several new species and notes on others. Insecta Transvaaliensia. A contribution to a knowledge of the entomology of South Africa 8: 181-204. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Insecta_Transvaaliensia/wjxJAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gl=US

Distant W. L. 1908 - Conclusion of the Fulgoridae, the Membracidae and Cercopidae with several new genera and new species. Insecta Transvaaliensia. A contribution to a knowledge of the entomology of South Africa 9: 205-228. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Insecta_Transvaaliensia/wjxJAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gl=US

Distant W. L. 1910 - Cercopidae concluded, Jassidae with additions to the Fulgoridae and many new genera and species. Insecta Transvaaliensia. A contribution to a knowledge of the entomology of South Africa 10: 229-252. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Insecta_Transvaaliensia/wjxJAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gl=US

Gerstaecker C. E. A. 1873 - Hemiptera. In: Gerstaecker C. E. A. 1873 - Baron Carl Claus von der Decken's Reisen in Ost-Afrika in den Jahren 1859-1865, 3. p. 426-434. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/78659#page/446/mode/1up

Gerstaecker C. E. A. 1895 - Ueber einige bemerkenswerthe Fulgorinen der Greifswalder zoologischen Sammlung. Mittheilungen des Naturwissenschaftlichen Vereines für Neu-Vorpommern und Rügen. Greifswald 27: 1-50. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/249117#page/807/mode/1up

Jacobi A. 1910 - 12 Hemiptera. 7 Homoptera. Wissenschaftliche ergebnisse der Schwedischen Zoologischen Expedition nach dem Kilimandjaro, dem Meru und den Umgebenden Massaisreppen Deutsch-Ostafrikas 1905-1906. Schwedischen Akademie der wissenschaften 1910: 97-136. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/17061#page/719/mode/1up

Karsch F. A. F. 1890 - Afrikanische Fulgoriden. Berliner Entomologische Zeitschrift. Berlin 35: 57-70. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/80828#page/61/mode/1up

Karsch F. A. F. 1891 - Eine neue westafrikanische Fulgoride. Entomologische Nachrichten. Berlin 17: 1-3. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/81646#page/12/mode/1up

Karsch F. A. F. 1894 - Verzeichniss der von Herrn Dr. Paul Preuss in Kamerun gesammelten Schnabelkerfe nebst Beschreibung der neuen Arten. Entomologische Zeitung. Herausgegeben von dem entomologischen Vereine zu Stettin. Stettin 55: 99-116. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/104195#page/107/mode/1up

Lallemand, V. 1942 Hompteres recueillis par M. L.Chopard en Afrique occidentale (nov. 1938-janv. 1939). Bulletin de la Societé Entomologique de France 47: 68–71. https://delphacid.s3.amazonaws.com/10527.pdf

Lallemand, V. and H. Synave. 1951 Homoptera. Exploration du Parc National Albert. Mission G. F. de Witte (1933-35) 77: 8–29. https://delphacid.s3.amazonaws.com/12478.pdf

Lallemand, V. 1960 De quibusdam Fulgoris. Entomologische Mitteilungen aus dem Zoologischen Staatsinstitut und Zoologischen Museum Hamburg 24: 101–107. https://delphacid.s3.amazonaws.com/7801.pdf

Lallemand V. 1966 - Fulgorides nouveaux du Musée Zoologique de Berlin et de ma collection. Bulletin des Recherches agronomiques de Gembloux, N.S. 1: 51-54. https://delphacid.s3.amazonaws.com/7802.pdf

Linnavuori, R.E. 1973 Hemiptera of the Sudan, with remarks on some species of the adjacent countries 2. Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae; Cercopidae, Machaerotidae, Membracidae and Fulgoridae (Zoological contribution to the Sudan no. 33). Notulae Entomologicae 53(3): 65–137. https://delphacid.s3.amazonaws.com/2851.pdf

Melichar L. 1908 - Nové rody a druhy Homopter z vychodni Afriky. Casopis Ceské Spolecnosti Entomologické. Praha 5: 1-15. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/45826#page/21/mode/1up

Melichar L. 1914 - Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse der zweiten Deutschen Zentral-Afrika-Expedition 1910-1911 unter Führung Adolph Friedrichs, Herzog zu Mecklenburg. (1912) 1: 109-134. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/5889768#page/139/mode/1up

Nast, J. 1977 Homopterological notes XIII - XX. Annales Zoologici 34: 27-37 https://delphacid.s3.amazonaws.com/3365.pdf

Olivier G. A. 1791 - Fulgore, Fulgora. Encyclopedie méthodique. Histoire naturelle des animaux. Insectes 6: 561-577. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/156051#page/571/mode/1up

Schmidt E. 1905 - Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Fulgoriden. III. Die genera Metaphaena n.gen., Malfeytia n. gen., Anecphora Karsch und Holodictya Gerstaecker. Entomologische Zeitung. Herausgegeben von dem entomologischen Vereine zu Stettin. Stettin 66: 357-376. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/36018#page/379/mode/1up (not the first page)

Schmidt E. 1906 - Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Fulgoriden. Entomologische Zeitung. Herausgegeben von dem entomologischen Vereine zu Stettin. Stettin 67: 183-213 https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/82405#page/187/mode/1up

Schmidt E. 1910 - Neue Fulgoriden. (Hemiptera-Homoptera). Entomologische Zeitung. Herausgegeben von dem entomologischen Vereine zu Stettin. Stettin 71: 305-323. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/36023#page/317/mode/1up

Schmidt E. 1911 - Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Homopteren. (Neue Gattungen und Arten). Entomologische Zeitung. Herausgegeben von dem entomologischen Vereine zu Stettin. Stettin 72: 238-307. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/36024#page/248/mode/1up

Schmidt E. 1907 - Drei neue Fulgoriden. Entomologische Zeitung. Herausgegeben von dem entomologischen Vereine zu Stettin. Stettin 68: 361-367. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/36020#page/371/mode/1up

Schmidt E. 1913 - Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Fulgoriden Asiens und Afrikas. (Hemiptera-Homoptera). Entomologische Zeitung. Herausgegeben von dem entomologischen Vereine zu Stettin. Stettin 74: 181-192. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/35651#page/192/mode/1up

Schmidt E. 1924 - Neue Zikaden aus dem tropischen Afrika. Societas Entomologica 39: 21-27. https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/Societas-entomologica_39_0021-0023.pdf

Schmidt E. 1924 - Neue Zikaden-Gattungen und Arten aus dem tropischen Afrika. Entomologische Mitteilungen. (Organ der Wanderversammlungen Deutscher Entomologen.) Berlin-Dahlem 13: 97-109. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Entomologische_Mitteilungen/X4w2AQAAMAAJ?hl=en

Signoret V. 1850 - Description d'une nouvelle espèce de Lystra. Annales de la Société Entomologique de France. Paris. (Ser. 2) 8: 65-66. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8252287#page/71/mode/1up

Stål C. 1866 - Hemiptera Homoptera Latr. Hemiptera Africana 4: 1-276. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/35350#page/7/mode/1up

Stål C. 1869 - Hemiptera Fabriciana. Fabricianska Hemipterarter, efter de Köpenhamn och Kiel förvarade typexemplaren granskade och beskrifne. 2. Handlingar. Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps Akademien. Stockholm 8(1): 1-130. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/105468#page/9/mode/1up

Stoll C. 1788 - Représentation exactement colorée d'après nature des cigales et des punaises : qui se trouvent dans les quatre parties du monde, l'Europe, l'Asie, l'Afrique, et l'Amerique. Amsterdam. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/79329#page/11/mode/1up

Strand E. 1910 - Neue und wenig bekannte afrikanische Homoptera. Entomologische Rundschau. Stuttgart 27: 158-160. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/148365#page/172/mode/1up

Strand E. 1911 - Eine neue Anephora (sic) aus Kamerun. Entomologische Rundschau. Stuttgart 28: 24. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/43670140#page/36/mode/1up

Strand E. 1911 - Eine neue Ostafrikanische Fulgoride. Entomologische Rundschau. Stuttgart 28: 86. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/43670140#page/98/mode/1up

Strand E. 1911 - Anecphora angulosa Strand n. sp. (Fulgoridae). Wiener Entomologische Zeitung. Wien 30: 16. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/11975503#page/36/mode/1up

Walker F. 1851 - List of the specimens of Homopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum. 2: 261-636. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/37279#page/5/mode/1up

Walker F. 1858 - Supplement. In: Walker F. 1858 - Supplement. List of the specimens of Homopterous insects in the collection of the British Museum, p. 1-307. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/37463#page/7/mode/1up

Westwood J. O. 1839 - On the family Fulgoridae, with a monograph of the genus Fulgora of Linnaeus. The Transactions of the Linnean Society of London. Second series. Zoology 18: 133-153. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/88044#page/171/mode/1up

Publications I can't find
The following are important works in African Fulgoridae which I have not yet been able to obtain.

Fennah R. G. 1958 - Fulgoroidea from the Belgian Congo (Hemiptera: Homoptera). Annales du Musée du Congo Belge (Sciences Zoologique). (Ser. 8) (1957) 59: 1-206.

Fennah R. G. 1958 - Fulgoroidea from West Africa. Bulletin de l'Institut Français Afrique Noire. (Ser. A) 20: 460-538.

Jacobi A. 1936 - Homoptera (Rhynchota) aus Angola. Arquivos do Museu Bocage. Lisboa 7: 37-44.

Lallemand V. 1925 - Hemiptera Homoptera. in Zoological results of the Swedish Expedition to Central Africa 1921. Insecta. Arkiv for Zoologi. Utgifvet af K. Svenska Vetenskaps-akademien. Stockholm 18: 1-8.

Lallemand V. 1928 - Fulgorides nouveaux provenant de la collection du British Museum. Annals and Magazine of Natural History. London. (Ser. 10) 1: 241-249.

Lallemand V. 1959 - Revision des especes africaines de la famille Fulgoridae (super-famille Fulgoroides - sous-ordre des Homopteres). Publicaçoes Culturais, Companhia de Diamantes de Angola (Diamang), Lisboa 41: 37-123. less ↑