Plant Association of Lanternflies (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) from Malaysian Borneo

Abstract

The family Fulgoridae is known for their distinct morphological structures and striking colouration. Despite so, comprehensive documentation of insect-plant interaction from this charismatic family is greatly scarce. Presented here are records of plant association across four species of Fulgoridae from Malaysian Borneo. The current study was based on voucher specimens and field samplings from selected localities in Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. A total of 11 species of plants belonging to 11 genera and nine families were recorded. Three fulgorid species namely Penthicodes quadrimaculata, Pyrops intricatus and Py. sultanus shares the same host plant being the mata kucing fruit tree (Dimocarpus longan ssp. malesianus). The most speciose insect-plant association belongs to Pe. farinosa and Py. sultanus with six species documented. This is the first record of host plants reported for Py. intricatus, Pe. farinosa and Pe. quadrimaculata in Malaysian Borneo.