Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha
- Infraorder: Fulgoromorpha (planthoppers)
- Family: Fulgoridae
- Genus: Poblicia Stål, 1866
- Species: Poblicia fuliginosa (Olivier, 1791)
Common name: Sumac speckled lanternfly
Description
Poblicia fuliginosa is a small planthopper, with adults measuring 8–17 mm in length. The insect displays a generally dark coloration punctuated by minute pale specks on the forewings. The head (vertex) is short and broad, while the bulbous eyes do not extend beyond the width of closed forewings. Hindwings are smoky‑grayish translucent, with a proximal area that is mostly black featuring two pale blue splotches. The thorax and anterior abdominal segments are black; posterior abdominal segments are red, giving the species its distinctive appearance. Legs commonly bear two white bands. Nymphs are grayish‑brown with a dark brown thorax, white head and abdomen, and numerous thorn‑like tubercles covering their bodies.
Distribution
The species is native to the United States, occurring primarily in eastern and central states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Isolated records exist from Mexico, though those may represent an undescribed related taxon.
Habitat and Host Associations
P. fuliginosa is closely associated with sumac (Rhus spp.), especially winged sumac (Rhus copallinum). It has also been observed feeding on red maple (Acer rubrum) and, less commonly, on other plant species such as Baccharis sarothroides (for a related species) and Brickellia. Adults are typically found on the trunks of host plants, while nymphs inhabit the base of the trunk.
Life Cycle
The species is hemimetabolous, undergoing several nymphal instars before molting into the adult form. Eggs are laid in rows and covered with a waxy coating; each egg mass contains roughly 6–38 eggs (average ≈ 25). Nymphs progress through five instars, emerging as adults primarily in July within its northern range (e.g., North Carolina).
Behavior
Like many planthoppers, P. fuliginosa prefers jumping to sustained flight when disturbed. Adults are capable of short flights but typically rely on powerful hind‑leg leaps for locomotion.
Taxonomic Notes
Originally described as Fulgora fuliginosa by Guillaume‑Antoine Olivier in 1791, the species has undergone several generic reassignments. A 2025 revision reaffirmed its placement within the genus Poblicia, resolving earlier disputes that had temporarily placed it in other genera such as Crepusia.
References
- Wikipedia entry on Poblicia fuliginosa (accessed via r.jina.ai).
- BugGuide.net species page.
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) data for Poblicia fuliginosa.
- Regional entomological surveys of Fulgoridae in North America.