Taxonomy of the tribe Rhotanini (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Derbidae) from China

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Biodiversity research
• Insect taxonomy

Background:

• The planthopper tribe Rhotanini (family Derbidae) comprises approximately 300 species globally, primarily in tropical regions.
• While Rhotanini are present in China, only 24 species were previously documented, indicating a potential gap in knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive review of the Rhotanini fauna in China.
• To provide an updated checklist and identification keys for Chinese Rhotanini species.
• To describe new species and report new country records for the tribe in China.

Main Methods:

• Systematic taxonomic review of Rhotanini specimens collected in China.
• Morphological analysis and species description.
• Compilation of checklists and creation of identification keys.

Main Results:

• Fifteen new species of Rhotanini are described: *Alara fuscimacula*, *A. wangi*, *Rhotana bimaculata*, *R. grisea*, *R. nubilimacula*, *R. paratruncata*, *R. qinlingensis*, *R. ruficlypea*, *R. shuimoa*, *R. wuyiensis*, *Saccharodite bannaensis*, *S. jianfenglingensis*, *S. luteoides*, *S. nigrolineata*, and *S. qixianlingensis*.
• Thirteen species, including *Dichotropis amboinensis* and 12 others, are reported as new country records for China.
• Identification keys are provided for multi-species genera found in China.

Conclusions:

• The Rhotanini fauna of China is significantly richer than previously known, with this study nearly doubling the number of recorded species.
• This research provides essential taxonomic resources for future studies on planthopper diversity and distribution in China and the wider region.