Poblicia fuliginosa

(Olivier, 1791)

sumac speckled lanternfly

Poblicia fuliginosa is a large planthopper in the Fulgoridae, native to the eastern and central United States. are predominantly dark with minute pale speckles on the forewings and a concealed bright red . The is strongly associated with sumac (Rhus) species as its primary plant. Described by Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1791, its generic placement was disputed until a 2025 revision confirmed its placement in Poblicia. The species is notable for its exceptional wariness and jumping ability, making it difficult to capture.

Poblicia fuliginosa by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Poblicia fuliginosa 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 Poblicia fuliginosa: //pɒˈblɪʃə fjuːlɪdʒɪˈnoʊsə//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other planthoppers by its relatively large size within Fulgoridae, dark coloration with minute pale forewing speckles, and especially by the bright red that is concealed at rest but visible in . The smoky grayish-transparent hindwings with black basal area and two pale blue splotches are distinctive. The short, broad vertex separates it from more elongate planthopper . Nymphs are recognizable by their grayish-brown coloration with dark brown , white and abdomen, and covering of thorn-like bumps. The species' extreme wariness and powerful jumping are notable behavioral identifiers.

Images

Habitat

Found in dry-mesic deciduous forest, dolomite glades, and prairie . are typically observed on the trunks of plants, while nymphs occur near the base of the trunk. In Missouri, has been recorded from prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) in dolomite glades and on false boneset (Brickellia eupatorioides) in hilltop prairie remnants.

Distribution

Native to the eastern and central United States. Documented from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Some records exist from Mexico, though these may represent an undescribed species. One of only two Fulgoridae occurring as far north as Missouri.

Seasonality

have been observed in Missouri during fall (September–October). Activity period likely extends through warmer months given the ' distribution in temperate regions, though specific phenological data are limited.

Diet

Phloem feeder primarily on sumac (Rhus) , especially winged sumac (Rhus copallinum). Has also been recorded feeding on red maple (Acer rubrum), though this may represent an occasional rather than typical .

Host Associations

Rhus copallinum - primary winged sumac; preferred for feeding and development
Rhus - primary sumac generally
Acer rubrum - secondary/occasional red maple; recorded but may not be usual
Silphium terebinthinaceum - perching substrateprairie dock; observation site in Missouri
Brickellia eupatorioides - perching/feeding substratefalse boneset; observation site in Illinois

Life Cycle

Hemimetabolous with . Development includes stage and multiple nymphal instars before . Eggs are covered with white, creamy wax. Nymphs are found near the base of plant trunks, while adults occur higher on the trunk. Specific details on number of instars and duration of developmental stages are not documented.

Behavior

Extremely wary and difficult to approach. When disturbed, dart to the backside of stems or take . Described as 'rocket propelled' and 'nearly impossible to capture by hand netting.' Prefers jumping over flying when escaping. The bright red , concealed at rest, is presumed to function in flash coloration—visible during flight to confuse , then suddenly disappearing when the insect lands and folds its wings.

Ecological Role

Phloem-feeding herbivore on sumac . May serve as prey for various ; the flash coloration of the red suggests avoidance is a significant . Specific predators or broader ecological interactions are not documented.

Human Relevance

No significant documented economic impact. Of interest to entomologists and naturalists due to its size, distinctive appearance, and challenging for observation and collection. Not known to be a pest of cultivated plants.

Similar Taxa

Poblicia thanatophanaFormerly treated as a synonym; occurs in the western United States and feeds on Baccharis salicifolia and Brickellia rather than sumac

More Details

Taxonomic history

The generic placement of this was disputed for many years. One author placed it in Crepusia in 1954, but this placement was not widely accepted. A 2023 review rejected the Crepusia placement, and a 2025 revision confirmed its correct placement in Poblicia, though noting the requires further study of its proper constituency.

Conservation status

Not formally assessed; appears to be locally uncommon to rare in northern parts of its range (e.g., Missouri), where it is one of only two Fulgoridae documented.