Monitoring natural habitat change from the discovery of 2 new cicada species

Recently, scientists at the Central Institute for Scientific Research under the Vietnam Museum of Nature (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) have discovered and recorded two new species of cicadas. These are two species of cicadas belonging to the genus Connelicita , family Tropiduchidae (wing tip webhoppers), order Hemiptera (hemi-winged insects).

This discovery has enriched the biodiversity of Vietnam's ecosystem, providing important information for conservation studies and monitoring of environmental change.

The species Connelicita bachmaensis was discovered in Bach Ma National Park (Thua Thien - Hue province). (Photo: VNA).

Specimens for these two species of ticks were collected from two locations: Bach Ma National Park (Thua Thien - Hue province); Vietnam Center for Conservation of Natural Resources and Rescue of Animals and Plants (Vietnam Museum of Nature) in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien - Hue province. The scientific names of these two species of ticks are: Connelicita bachmaensis and Connelicita phongdienensis.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Hong Thai, Director of the Central Institute for Scientific Research, said that the addition of two new cicada species of the genus Connelicita to the fauna of Vietnam has increased the total number of this species in the country to 4 and expanded its distribution range to the South. However, there is still a distance of more than 500 km between these areas, with no new records of the Connelicita species in the northern half of Central Vietnam, which opens up the possibility of discovering many new species in the future.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Hong Thai, the discovery and description of two new cicada species helps improve understanding of the tropical fauna of Southeast Asia, making an important contribution to ecological conservation research. At the same time, detailed information on the morphological characteristics and habitats of these species will also support scientists in developing effective conservation strategies, especially when their habitats are threatened by overexploitation and climate change. The diversity of the Tropiduchidae family (winged webhoppers) in Vietnam can also provide useful information for monitoring changes in natural habitats.

Providing more detailed information about the two cicada species, Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Hong Thai said that the Connelicita bachmaensis species is medium in size, with a body length of about 12.56 mm for males and 13.60 mm for females. The head of this species is narrower than the thorax, the top is longer than the eyes, giving them a characteristic elongated shape. The top of the head is brown and has a light yellow midline, the edges are gently curved. The eyes are spherical, slightly bulging on both sides and covered with brown spots, creating a sharp and attractive appearance. The forewings are transparent with a brown spot in the middle, helping this species to easily camouflage on leaves. The hindwings are slightly transparent, with light black veins and a slightly curved tip, which is good for flying in dense forests.

The Connelicita phongdienensis species was discovered at the Vietnam Center for Conservation of Natural Resources and Rescue of Animals and Plants (Vietnam Museum of Nature) in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien - Hue province. (Photo: VNA).

The species Connelicita phongdienensis possesses unique morphological characteristics compared to other species of the genus and can be distinguished by the characteristic structure of the male genitalia. Individuals of this species have a light brown head and body with small black spots, but the color is darker in some prominent areas such as the head crown and the spots next to the eyes. The forewings have a complex venation structure with parallel blood vessels that branch at specific points, creating a pattern that is easily discernible under light.

'Although the new species can be easily distinguished by their genitals, their external morphology is very similar. Therefore, it is not advisable to rely solely on images for identification and it is recommended to avoid identifying insects at the species level unless good quality photographs of the specimen's genitals are available ,' said Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Hong Thai.