Distribution and systematics of leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Tharparkar and adjacent areas of Sindh, Pakistan

Azra Naz, Riffat Sultana, Santosh Kumar

Abstract


Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) constitute one of the most diverse and economically significant groups of phytophagous insects; however, their diversity and distribution in the arid regions of Pakistan remain poorly documented. The present study provides a comprehensive taxonomic and distributional assessment of Cicadellidae from Tharparkar and adjacent areas of Sindh, Pakistan, based on extensive field surveys conducted during 2023-2024. Specimens were collected using sweep nets, yellow sticky traps, and light traps from four major localities, Umerkot, Nangarparkar, Viravah, and Kaloi, and were identified using detailed morphological characteristics, with particular emphasis on male genitalia. A total of 19 species belonging to 15 genera, 9 tribes, and 3 subfamilies (Deltocephalinae, Megophthalminae, and Cicadellinae) were recorded. Deltocephalinae was the dominant subfamily in terms of both species richness and abundance. Among the recorded species, Cofana unimaculata (Cicadellinae) and Aconurella prolixa (Deltocephalinae) were the most abundant, indicating strong adaptation to hot, arid conditions and grass-dominated agro-ecosystems. Nangarparkar exhibited the highest overall species abundance, likely due to comparatively better vegetation cover and moisture availability, whereas Kaloi showed the lowest diversity, reflecting poor soil fertility and limited host plant availability. This study represents the first comprehensive checklist of Cicadellidae from Tharparkar and provides baseline data essential for future biodiversity assessments, ecological studies, and the development of pest management strategies in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Pakistan. 

 


Keywords


Cicadellidae diversity, Phytophagous insects, Arid agro-ecosystems, Tharparkar, Distributional assessment, Semi-arid ecosystem, Species richness

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33804/pp.009.04.5872

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