A new species of the Asian lanternfly genus Saiva Distant, 1906 from Thailand (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae) with notes on S. virescens (Westwood, 1842) and Pyrops cultellatus (Walker, 1857)

Kawin Jiaranaisakul ¹, Mick Webb ², Nantasak Pinkaew ³

⁰Department of Entomology; Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen; Kasetsart University; Kamphaeng Saen Campus; Nakhon Pathom; 73140; Thailand; Rabbit in the Moon Foundation; 399; Village No. 3; Suan Phueng; Ratchaburi; 70180; Thailand. kawin.jia@ku.th.

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December 8, 2024

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Summary

A new Asian lanternfly species, Saiva constanti, was discovered in Thailand. This study also clarifies the synonymy of Saiva virescens and Pyrops cultellatus, enhancing lanternfly taxonomy.

Area Of Science

Entomology
Taxonomy
Biodiversity

Background

The genus Saiva, belonging to the Asian lanternflies, requires taxonomic clarification.
Previous classifications have led to potential confusion in species identification and distribution.

Purpose Of The Study

To describe a new species of Saiva from Thailand.
To resolve taxonomic uncertainties within the Saiva genus.
To update the classification of related lanternfly species.

Main Methods

Morphological examination of insect specimens.
Comparative analysis with existing type specimens and literature.
Illustrative documentation and distribution mapping.
Taxonomic revision based on established systematic principles.

Main Results

A new species, Saiva constanti Jiaranaisakul sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Thailand.
Saiva virescens is proposed as the senior synonym of Saiva phesamensis.
Fulgora pyrrhochlora is identified as a junior synonym of Pyrops cultellatus.

Conclusions

The description of Saiva constanti expands the known diversity of Asian lanternflies.
The revised synonymies clarify the taxonomic status of several Saiva and Pyrops species.
This work contributes to a more accurate understanding of lanternfly systematics and biogeography.