Chiasmini

Distant, 1908

Genus Guides

4

Chiasmini is a tribe of grassland leafhoppers in the Deltocephalinae, comprising 21 and approximately 324 worldwide. The tribe exhibits highest in the Nearctic region but greater genus-level diversity in the Old World. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly in the genus Nephotettix, which transmits rice Tungrovirus in Southeast Asia and feeds on cultivated rice, wheat, and barley.

Driotura gammaroides by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Driotura vittata by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.Driotura vittata by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chiasmini: /kiˈæs.mɪ.naɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Chiasmini is defined by morphological characters of the female genitalia, as established in recent taxonomic revisions. The tribe lacks the mitochondrial gene rearrangements found in some other deltocephaline leafhoppers. Identification to requires examination of detailed morphological features described in taxonomic keys.

Images

Habitat

Native grasslands. are associated with grasses and sedges.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with highest in the Nearctic region and greater -level diversity in the Old World/Oriental Region. Documented from Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Spain, South Africa, and Madagascar. China has 39 described in 11 genera.

Diet

Piercing and sucking of plant sap from grasses and sedges. Some in the Nephotettix feed on cultivated rice, wheat, and barley.

Behavior

Piercing and sucking plant sap. Some transmit plant : Nephotettix species transmit rice Tungrovirus in Southeast Asia; Exitianus species transmit maize dwarf mosaic and Bermuda grass white leaf disease.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pests causing weakened growth, slowed development, and death of plants. of plant affecting crop .

Human Relevance

Several are economically significant agricultural pests. The Nephotettix is particularly important in Southeast Asian rice agriculture due to transmission of rice Tungrovirus.

Sources and further reading