Resolving taxonomic confusion of Pochazia shantungensis (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae) from South Korea, with one new species

Abstract

Pochazia shantungensis is an economically important pest worldwide. However, because of unclear identification, many researchers have used “P. shantungensis” or “Pochazia sp.” in their studies. In the present study, we identified a new species, Pochazia chinensis sp. nov., which was verified using morphological and molecular characteristics obtained from a mitochondrial gene. Pochazia chinensis sp. nov. is distributed throughout South Korea, whereas P. shantungensis is found in several provinces, primarily in the southern region. In addition, P. chinensis sp. nov. and P. shantungensis are also distributed throughout China. Our morphological comparison showed that P. chinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from P. shantungensis by the ratio of the apical spine and phallic length in male genitalia and the lengths of the costal, apical, and sutural margins on the front wing in females. In the molecular comparison, P. chinensis sp. nov. revealed genetic differences of 9.26% (range 8.8–9.5%) in comparison to P. shantungensis using cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequences. The findings of this study can be used to more accurately distinguish between different Pochazia species and therefore assist in the management and eradication of these pests in South Korea.