First record of the African species Leptodelphax maculigera (Stål, 1859) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in Brazil

Abstract

Abstract This study reports the first occurrence of Leptodelphax maculigera (Stål, 1859) in Brazil and the Americas. Until now, this species has not been reported outside of Africa. The notification occurred in the State of Goiás in species of agronomic importance, as corn, Brachiaria, elephant grass, cultivar BRS Capiaçu and beans. The identification of the species was carried out through the morphological analysis of the male terminalia. This species has been found in corn plants, were sharing the same space with another wellknown species great economic importance for the culture, the Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) and espite the morphological differences between the species, it's possible these two may be evaluated in the field only as “corn leaf-hoppers”, without distinguishing the species because the presence of L. maculigera in Brazil was unknown. Furthermore, another worrying factor is the ability of the genus Leptodelphax to transmit phytoplasma as reported the literature, which may potentiate the damage to possible host plants in Brazil. Thus, the confirmed presence of L. maculigera in Brazil and the morphological distinction of the two species are key factors for establishing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the areas where it is found.